Community-based performance of a pelvic stabilization device for children with spasticity

We developed a new type of pelvic stabilization device designed to help children be better positioned in their wheelchairs. The device replaces a wheelchair lap belt by providing firm anterior pelvic support for the seated user. We developed, tested, and evaluated instructions for installing, fitting, and using the device to study its performance in "typical" community settings in Toronto, Canada. Each of four therapists worked with a local rehabilitation technology supplier to install and fit the device onto an adaptive wheelchair seating system for a young child between 5 and 10 years of age. Therapists assessed the system's positioning effects, and children used the system for 12-14 days. Following the trials, therapists, parents, and children reported their levels of satisfaction with the performance of the device as compared with the children's existing lap belts. Participating therapists confirmed that the device provided better anterior pelvic stability for their clients. Parents felt that their children were generally better positioned in their seats and thought that the device was easy to use. Children had similar perspectives. Suppliers were confident that they could readily install the devices following the instructions provided. Based on the opinions of participants and our inspection of the installed devices, we proposed that minor modifications be made to the product design and instructions for installation, fitting, and use.