Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
A Vibrotactile Feedback Device for Seated Balance Assessment and Training
Published on: January 20, 2019
The effects of a contoured foam seat on postural alignment and upper-extremity function in infants with neuromotor
Kathleen Washington1, Jean C Deitz, Owen R White
1Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Box 356490, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. kwpt@u.washington.edu
Insights
A contoured foam seat (CFS) effectively improved postural alignment in infants with neuromotor impairments. While it did not significantly enhance bimanual play, parents found the adaptive seating acceptable for daily use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Assistive Technology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Adaptive seating is crucial for children with neuromotor impairments to achieve sitting stability.
- Contoured foam seats (CFS) are utilized by therapists to support postural alignment.
- Understanding the impact of CFS on infant engagement is essential for optimizing therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of a contoured foam seat (CFS) on postural alignment in infants with neuromotor impairments.
- To assess the influence of CFS on infants' ability to engage with toys.
- To gather parental perceptions on the usability and benefits of CFS.
Main Methods:
- A time-series, alternating-treatments design was employed with 4 infants (9-18 months) unable to sit independently.
- Data were collected using a regular highchair, a highchair with a foam liner, and a CFS insert.
- Primary outcome measures included postural alignment and toy engagement (bimanual play, arm support freedom).
Main Results:
- The CFS demonstrated a sustained improvement in postural alignment for all participating infants.
- No significant increase in bimanual play intervals was observed with CFS use.
- Two infants showed improved ability to free their arms from support; mothers reported CFS acceptability and benefits.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the use of contoured foam seats (CFS) for enhancing postural alignment in infants with neuromotor impairments.
- Further research should explore adaptive seating interventions focusing on functional activities and family-centered outcomes.
- CFS may offer benefits in postural support, contributing to improved participation in daily activities.
Background And Purpose:
Physical therapists and occupational therapists frequently use adaptive seating devices to improve stability in sitting for children with neuromotor impairments. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a contoured foam seat (CFS) on postural alignment and on the ability of infants with neuromotor impairments to engage with toys. Parental perceptions regarding the use and effects of the CFS also were assessed via semistructured interviews.
Subjects:
Subjects were 4 infants, ages 9 to 18 months, who were unable to sit independently.
Method:
A time-series, alternating-treatments design was used, with data collected under 3 conditions: (1) a regular highchair, (2) a regular highchair with a thin foam liner, and (3) a CFS used as an insert in a regular highchair. The primary dependent measures were postural alignment and engagement with toys. Engagement with toys was defined as percentage of intervals with 2 hands on a toy and percentage of intervals with no hands on a highchair tray and 1 or 2 hands on a toy.
Results:
Results showed a sustained effect of the CFS on improving postural alignment for all subjects. Effects of the CFS on increasing the number of intervals of bimanual play were not demonstrated for any subjects, although some improvement in the infant's ability to free the arms from support was observed for 2 subjects. Mothers reported acceptability of the CFS for everyday use and described benefits for themselves and their infants.
Discussion And Conclusion:
The results support the use of a CFS for improving postural alignment. Future research on adaptive seating should focus on interventions and outcomes that help children participate in functional activities relevant to them and their families.
More Related Videos
07:11Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
08:40Quantifying Arms and Legs Contributions during Repetitive Electrically-Assisted Sit-To-Stand Exercise in Paraplegics: A Pilot Study
Published on: November 11, 2022