Powered Tilt/Recline Systems: Why and How Are They Used?

Abstract

Prolonged static sitting can lead to discomfort, pain, pressure sores, spinal curvatures, and loss of functional independence. In order to counteract these harmful effects, adjustable tilt and/or recline systems are often prescribed. Considering the current context of assistive technology service delivery and budget cuts, it is essential to have a better knowledge of the use of these technical aids and user's satisfaction with them. The purpose of this study was to characterize the use of powered tilt and recline systems. A questionnaire was developed for this purpose, and 40 subjects were interviewed at home. They were asked to identify, from a list of 25 objectives, the reasons for which they used their repositioning system and to rank these reasons in order of importance. For each objective, they were also asked to identify the frequency and range of use as well as their satisfaction level with their system. Results revealed that 97.5% of the subjects were using their powered tilt and recline system everyday, and their satisfaction was high. The main objectives for using this type of assistive technology were to increase comfort and to promote rest. Although mainly descriptive, results are of clinical relevance and can be helpful when selecting wheelchairs.

Usage of tilt-in-space, recline, and elevation seating functions in natural environment of wheelchair users

“…The fact that smaller angles of tilt-in-space were used possibly implies that this seating function was used more for functional and stable postures and comfort than for shifting weight or pressure management. Previous studies showed that comfort is a primary concern regarding the seating system and that people use smaller tilt-in-space angles to increase comfort [11,25]. Subjects in this study also reported that they accessed tilt-in-space to adjust posture for comfort.…”

“…Subjects in this study tended to use small tilt-inspace angles (i.e., <20°) based on both access frequency and duration. Lacoste et al obtained similar findings in their survey study that individuals with a powered tilt-inspace seating function reported that they used small and medium angles more than large angles [11]. Sonenblum et al also found that subjects spent the greatest amount of time in tilt-in-space angles <20° [17].…”

“…In addition to facilitating appropriate pressure management, tilt-in-space and backrest recline may also improve seating comfort [11]. Although comfort is difficult to define and measure, it is a very real concern in seating.…”

“…Only a few studies have investigated real-life usage of such powered seating functions in the natural environment of wheelchair users [11,[16][17][18]. In a survey study by Lacoste et al [11], they found that 97.5 percent of respondents used their tilt-in-space and/or recline systems every day.…”

“…In a survey study by Lacoste et al [11], they found that 97.5 percent of respondents used their tilt-in-space and/or recline systems every day. About 70 percent reported using the system primarily to rest, relax, increase comfort, and decrease pain.…”