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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb

Published on: August 30, 2016

Changes in postural alignment when using kneeblocks for children with severe motor disorders.

Rachael McDonald¹, Robert Surtees

¹Occupational Therapy, School of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, P.O. Box 527, Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia. rachael.mcdonald@monash.edu.au

Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology

|March 6, 2009

Summary

Adaptive seating with kneeblocks had minimal impact on postural alignment in children with severe motor disorders. Further research is needed to determine effective strategies for postural management in this population.

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Area of Science:

Pediatric Rehabilitation
Biomedical Engineering
Clinical Orthopedics

Background:

Children with severe motor disorders often require adaptive seating to prevent deformities.
Objective evidence on the effectiveness of adaptive seating components is limited.
This study investigates the impact of a specific adaptive seating system component on postural alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

To measure changes in postural alignment in children with severe motor impairment (GMFCS 5) when using and not using kneeblock devices.
To assess the immediate and delayed effects of kneeblock use on joint angles and overall body posture.
To provide objective data on the effectiveness of adaptive seating components.

Main Methods:

A seating system with a sacral pad and kneeblocks was evaluated.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb

Published on: August 30, 2016

Postural alignment was measured in 23 children with GMFCS 5.

Measurements were taken immediately and after a one-month delay, with and without kneeblocks.

Main Results:

Removal or replacement of kneeblocks affected hip abduction and rotation on one side only.
No significant immediate effects were observed on other joint angles or overall body posture.
The study found limited objective evidence for the effectiveness of kneeblocks in improving overall postural alignment.

Conclusions:

The postural management of children with neurological conditions necessitates further objective outcome measurement.
Improvement of posture is one factor among many to consider when providing adaptive seating.
Clinical practice should be based on objective data to optimize outcomes for children with severe motor disorders.