Wheelchair Positioning: The Extremities

Course overview

Positioning the upper and lower extremities is addressed after the mat assessment and positioning the pelvis and trunk. This course will review common lower extremity seating challenges including hip extension/flexion, hip abduction/adduction, knee extension/flexion, and issues at the ankles and feet. Upper extremity seating challenges, including destructive postures, uncontrolled movements, self-abusive behaviors, and shoulder instability, will also be addressed. Strategies for addressing each challenge will be presented, including goals of each. This course is applicable to occupational and physical therapists who work with clients using wheelchairs and applies to multiple practice settings.