Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Pelvis

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Video Runtime: 58 Minutes; Learning Assessment Runtime: 34 Minutes

What is the cornerstone of wheelchair positioning? The pelvis. The position of the pelvis very much determines the position of the trunk and lower extremities and so achieving and maintaining the optimal position is critical. This course will present common pelvic asymmetries with suggested strategies to address each challenge. Providing as neutral a pelvic position as possible improves overall posture, stability and function.

Meet your instructor

Michelle L. Lange

Michelle is an occupational therapist with 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the coeditor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility:…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Positioning the Pelvis: Posterior Pelvic Tilt

This chapter will present posterior pelvic tilt, possible causes of this asymmetry and suggested strategies to correct to neutral tilt. Goals of correcting this symmetry will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Correcting a posterior pelvic tilt improves trunk extension and an upright head.

2. Positioning the Pelvis: Anterior Pelvic Tilt

This chapter will address an anterior pelvic tilt, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. Correcting an anterior tilt promotes trunk and head control, stability and function and distributes pressure optimally.

3. Positioning the Pelvis: Rotation

This chapter will address pelvic rotation, including causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. Correcting a pelvic rotation prevents rotation of the trunk.

4. Positioning the Pelvis: Obliquity

This chapter will address pelvic obliquity, causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. Pelvic obliquity can lead to lateral scoliosis and excessive pressure over one ischial tuberosity. The pelvis needs to be leveled, as much as possible.

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Michelle L. Lange