Course Outline
Description
This seminar will explore important issues in wheelchair seating with a primary focus on skin protection and postural management of the trunk and upper body. We will explore the causes of skin ulcer formation in wheelchair seating and the compounding effects of Pressure, Shear, Heat, and Moisture. People that use wheelchairs also sit on many other surfaces that may impact skin integrity. We will explore the effect of sitting on other surfaces such as automobile seats, toilets, shower chairs and commodes as well as other surfaces. This session will also explore the best clinical practices for use of pressure mapping.
In the afternoon session, we will examine the biomechanics of the seated person as it relates to trunk and upper body management. We will evaluate the role that gravity and abnormal tone has in trunk posture and explore methods of providing postural alignment and control. At the end of this session, the participants will understand the principles of trunk support and be familiar with a wide range of commercial and custom approaches for trunk control. Lateral and anterior trunk support methods and hardware will also be discussed.
Objectives
At the end of the sessions, participants will better understand:
• the effects of pressure, shear, heat and moisture on skin ulcer formation
• the clinical applications and assessment outcomes for pressure mapping
• the research around performance levels of commonly prescribed cushions
• the biomechanics of the seated person as it relates to trunk and torso management
• the clinical applications for and effectiveness of comercial back and torso supports
• the assessment and appropriate use of custom contoured back supports
Target Audience
This seminar is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of seating and mobility principles. It is an intermediate to advanced level workshop designed for individuals currently working in the field of seating and mobility or those new to the field who need to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the core principles and concepts.
Instructor
Allen Siekman has 30 years clinical experience as a seating specialist, designer and educator, specializing in the design and provision of seating equipment for children and adults with moderate to severe physical challenges. He served as the Head of the Seating and Mobility department at the Rehabilitation Engineering Center at Children’s’ Hospital at Stanford in Palo Alto, California for 14 years. He was the Marketing and Product Manager for the seating product division of Invacare Corporation for 6 years.
Mr. Siekman left his position as the Director of Seating and Design at Beneficial Designs Inc. to start his own Design, Consulting and testing firm. He is currently involved in many professional endeavors related to wheelchair seating
Mr. Siekman has been actively involved in RESNA – The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America for many years. He has been a popular instructor at the annual RESNA National Conference the International Seating Symposium, and presents workshops and seminars on Wheelchair Seating to varied audiences worldwide. He works on several ISO standards groups serving as Chair of the RESNA/ISO Wheelchair Seating Standards Working Group, and is an active participant in the research and development of standards for support surfaces.
Alan Siekman is a paid consultant of HPU Rehab. We reserve the right to videotape this training session. Only the instructor will be videotaped. This video is for educational purposes only and is not for distribution.
Agenda
8:00 – 8:15 Introductions, General Information
8:15 – 9:00 Skin Integrity—Understanding the causes of Skin Ulcers in Wheelchair Seating
In this session we will explore the causes of skin ulcer formation; evaluate the effect of pressure, shear, heat and moisture; and explore the effects of sitting on other surfaces (i.e. toilets, shower chairs, commodes, automobile seats, etc)
9:00 – 10:00 Comparing Current Cushions Pressure Mapping, Heat and Moisture Testing
Theory is fine, but what most clinicians really want to know is how the cushions that they are currently using perform. This session will use data from new research to compare a series of commercially available cushions. We will evaluate pressure distribution, heat and moisture control, stability and other factors using research tools and case studies.
10:00 – 10:30 Break
10:30 – 11:30 Comparing Current Cushions (cont.)
11:30 – 12:00 Pressure Mapping—Clinical Practice and Use
Pressure mapping technologies from several manufacturers can provide the clinician and researcher with extremely valuable information. This session will explore the best clinical practices for use of pressure mapping in the evaluation of client needs.
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch with Exhibitors
1:00 – 2:30 Back and Torso Supports—Keeping Things in Balance
In this session we will discuss the biomechanics of the seated person as it relates to trunk and torso management. We will evaluate the role that gravity and abnormal tone has in trunk posture and explore methods of providing postural alignment and control.
2:30 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:00 Providing Back and Torso Supports for Maximum Function
There are a wide variety of commercial back and torso supports that can be used to improve alignment, function and comfort. We will review the types of back supports commonly prescribed and discuss the best application for each. In addition to the back support, we will also look at lateral and anterior supports.
4:00 – 4:30 When and How to Use Custom Back Supports
Some clients can not be supported with a standard symmetrical back support. This session will discuss the options for providing custom contoured back supports.
Dates and Locations
* Ottawa Seminar Accomodation Lisitngs:
Travelodge – 613.722.7600, 1376 Carling K1Z 7L5
Embassy West – 613.729.4331 or 1.800.267.8696, 1400 Carling K1Z 7L8
These accommodations are approximately 2km away by car, or 15 minutes if walking from the Civic Campus