Course Description:

The goals of wheelchair seating include managing posture and pressure as well as
providing stability for function. Many wheelchair users assume an asymmetrical
position during sleep and do not move out of that position for many hours. This
frequently leads to loss of range of motion and even orthopedic changes, as well as
discomfort and stiffness. Postural care addresses positioning outside of the
wheelchair, particularly during sleep, and can be used to improve the quality and
duration of sleep, promote health, and maintain safety during sleep, as well as to
minimize, prevent, and even reverse range-of-motion losses and orthopedic changes.
Practitioners may not be familiar with the need for and application of this intervention.
This content is applicable to physical and occupational therapists in a wide range of
settings. Young children can benefit from nighttime positioning to prevent future issues.
Clients who have already developed range loss and/or orthopedic changes can benefit
from nighttime positioning to provide a prolonged stretch during sleep and to minimize
further losses. It is critical to explore all positions that clients are in throughout a 24-
hour time period.