PRESSURE RELIEF
Skin Breakdown & Decreased Skin Integrity
- Facilitates position changes associated with pressure relief for individuals with limited range of motion
- Provides a change in position for those who cannot independently shift their weight
- Tilting the seating surface allows for repositioning which moves the weight and pressure away from the critical areas under the pelvis
- Proper repositioning improves blood flow, oxygenation, and retention of the skin tissue which is vital for maintaining skin integrity
POSITIONING
Decreased Postural Control & Decreased Head/Neck Control
- Posterior tilt can reduce the effects of gravity on the trunk and upper body, which provides a more functional and proper upright posture
- Facilitates more practical use of the upper extremities
- Facilitates safe, effective positioning of the patient following transfer allowing adjustment of posture from the tilted position
- Eliminates shear displacement (sliding out of place) during position changes
- Posterior tilt efficiently opens the diaphragm allowing for more significant expansion of the lungs resulting in improved oxygenation, blood flow, and organ function
- Facilitates positioning for comfort, pain management and/or pain relief
ENDURANCE
Function Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living
- Proper positioning and weight distribution increases sitting tolerance throughout the day
- Positioning the patient in an activity ready position improving the patient’s ability to socialize and engage with their surroundings
- Increase endurance for completion of activities of daily living by placing the patient in an action ready position
- Provides proper seating alignment decreasing patient fatigue and postural deviations
- Posterior tilt enhances visual orientation, speech, alertness, and arousal
MEDICAL FUNCTIONS
Respiratory Digestive Physiological
- Obtaining adequate posture through the use of tilt allows for improved function of the respiratory system
- Posterior tilt facilitates proper digestion and decreases the risk of aspiration and other complications of the GI Tract
- Improves physiological processes such as orthostatic hypotension, respiration, and bowel and bladder function
- Manages symptoms related to *edema (swelling) of the extremities
CAREGIVER BENEFITS
- Aids in the completion of activities of daily living; feeding, bathing, and toileting needs
- Allows for frequent repositioning of individuals throughout the day
- Improved seating comfort allows for fewer transfers during the day