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Why are molded and aggressive contoured seating systems not recommended for bariatric clients?

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS

December 15, 2015

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Question

Why are molded and aggressive contoured seating systems not recommended for bariatric clients?

Answer

A molded system usually works by relying on a certain degree of tissue firmness to provide intimate support to the client.  That support say on either side of the trunk is really able to impact the client orthopedically.  It can hold the rib cage and spine in a certain position.  If there is a lot of tissue in between, it will not be successful and can actually lead to pressure because it is compressing that tissue. 


michelle lange

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ATP/SMS

Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide. She is the former NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a RESNA certified ATP and SMS.

 


Related Courses

Let’s Talk Augmentative And Alternative Communication: Preparing For The ATP Exam
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Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in the context of preparing for the ATP examination is presented in this course. The course will address terminology as well as the HAAT model to explore key features including access, display layout, optimizing access, programming, mounting, and integration of systems.

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Pediatric seating and mobility equipment are not simply smaller than equipment designed for adults. This course will present the importance of pediatric positioning, clinical considerations, how to determine if a child is positioned adequately, as well as alternative positioning. A detailed case study will pull all the information together in a practical way.

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This course will present a hierarchy of computer and tablet access options for clients unable to use standard access, such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch screen. Access assessment requires analysis of motor skills, vision, cognition, and functional applications. Alternative keyboards and mice will be presented, as well as other alternative access options.

Recreational Technology For People With Disabilities: Preparing For The ATP Exam
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This course presents recreational technologies in the context of preparing for the ATP examination. The course addresses a wide variety of important recreational and exercise technologies available for people with disabilities.

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An access method is used by the client to control assistive technology devices, such as power wheelchairs and speech generating devices. Single or multiple switches can be used for access, though careful switch assessment is required to determine optimal switch placement and switch type to meet an individual’s needs.

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