Parental views regarding seating and participation for young children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Aim: To explore the views of parents regarding seating for children with cerebral palsy.Method: Two interviews with parents were conducted. These were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted.Findings: This small study outlines three themes: 'the importance of seating', 'seating and participation', and 'the parental role in supporting participation'. Conclusion:The parents in this study viewed seating as beneficial to support participation by enhancing energy conservation and promoting upper limb use. Barriers may relate to equipment provision and poor community access and parents may perceive themselves to play a role in overcoming barriers by adopting an advocacy role.

Postural asymmetries, pain, and ability to change position of children with cerebral palsy in sitting and supine: a cross-sectional study

“…This is echoed in earlier work by Sahinoglu et al [33] who found that both adjustable seating and custom molded seating was required for the children with more postural asymmetries, and Neilson et al [34] who reported on improved quality of life and sitting posture through the provision of customized seating for adults with profound postural disabilities. Furthermore, the use of spinal orthoses may improve head control, stability, and arm-hand function of children with CP [35] and ultimately promote participation in activity and reduce pain [36]. The prevalence of pain was reported by 39% of the children and/or their caregivers in this study, similar to Alriksson-Smidt and H€ agglund [9], who found that approximately one third of Swedish children with CP aged 1-14 years had pain, and that the occurrence of pain increased with age.…”