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Evaluation of biofeedback seat insert for improving active sitting posture in children with cerebral palsy. A
1Easter Seal Society of Berks County, Reading, PA 19611.
Insights
This study introduces a biofeedback seat insert to help children with cerebral palsy improve their sitting posture. The device effectively trains trunk extension, promoting better posture for children with cerebral palsy.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Biofeedback devices have shown success in improving motor control in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- Children with CP often struggle with inadequate trunk control, affecting their sitting posture.
- Existing interventions may not fully address the need for improved erect sitting posture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel biofeedback seat insert designed to enhance erect sitting posture in children with CP.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this biofeedback seat insert as a therapeutic tool.
Main Methods:
- A biofeedback seat insert with a pressure switch was developed for easy integration into seating devices.
- The pressure switch is activated by trunk extension, triggering an audio-visual reward (VCR, TV, or radio).
- Five children with spastic cerebral palsy participated in a clinical evaluation of the device.
Main Results:
- Children effectively utilized the biofeedback seat insert to improve their sitting posture.
- Voluntary trunk extension against the pressure switch was consistently employed by the participants.
- The device facilitated active postural correction in the study group.
Conclusions:
- The biofeedback seat insert is a valuable therapeutic tool for physical therapists working with children with CP.
- It encourages active trunk control and promotes carry-over of improved sitting posture outside clinical settings.
- This technology offers a promising approach to enhancing postural stability in pediatric populations with CP.
Abstract:
Biofeedback devices have been used successfully to improve head control and symmetrical standing in children with cerebral palsy. This clinical report describes a biofeedback seat insert developed to improve erect sitting posture in children with cerebral palsy who have inadequate trunk control. The seat insert is easily placed against the back of any seating device. A momentary-contact pressure switch on the seat insert is activated when the child exerts pressure on it by extending his trunk. The pressure switch then activates a videocassette recorder or can be adapted to activate a television or radio. Five children with spastic cerebral palsy participated in this evaluation of the biofeedback seat insert. The results of this evaluation show that the children used the biofeedback seat insert effectively to actively improve their sitting posture by voluntarily extending their trunk against the pressure switch. The biofeedback seat insert offers physical therapists a valuable therapeutic training tool to encourage carry-over of improved sitting posture away from the clinical setting for children with cerebral palsy.
