Play
A multiple baseline study (Rigby et al, 2009) evaluated the short-term impact of two adaptive seating devices on the activity performance and satisfaction with performance of children with cerebral palsy, as observed by their parents. Performance and satisfaction with play activities significantly improved when the children used the adaptive seating devices. Parents reported that their young children were more able to engage in play activities when using specific adaptive seating devices in their home, and that activity performance decreased after the seating devices were removed from their homes.
Conclusion: Limited (level 2b) evidence from a single multiple baseline study exists supporting the use of adaptive seating devices to enhance play experiences in children with cerebral palsy.
Self-care
A multiple baseline study (Rigby et al, 2009) evaluated the short-term impact of two adaptive seating devices on the activity performance and satisfaction with performance of children with cerebral palsy, as observed by their parents. Performance and satisfaction with self-care activities significantly improved when the children used the adaptive seating devices.
Conclusion: Limited (level 2b) evidence from a single multiple baseline study exists supporting the use of adaptive seating devices to enhance self-care skills in children with cerebral palsy.
Upper extremity function
A literature review (McNamara et al, 2007) evaluated the current research looking at the impact of seat inclinations upon postural control, muscle activity and upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy. The study findings suggest evidence of improved arm and hand function whilst seated in the functional sitting position as opposed to a posterior seat incline.
A quasi-experimental study (Hadders-Algra et al, 2007) determined the effect of seat surface tilting on postural control and quality of reaching in children with cerebral palsy. In the children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy, forward tilting improved postural efficiency and quality of reaching. In the children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, both forward and backward tilting of the seat surface did not affect the quality of reaching.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one quasi-experimental study regarding the positive effects of adaptive seating on upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy.
