Improved postural support for children/adults with neuro-muscular disorders
Betty Lohman & Lee Sims
- Purpose:
- Frustation about the absence of effective postural support for children/adults with conditions, affecting the neuro-muscular system, resulting in low or fluctuating muscle tone and causing compromised trunk stability and balance, has led to the development of the Sholder-Holder Harness.
- Relevance:
- Provision of correct support in specialised sitting and standing devices to create trunk stability, so promoting functional motor activities and social interaction. Target Audience: Children/Adults with very special needs, related to maintaining of postural erectness in support apparatus.
- Design/Description:
- The centre of the Y-shaped triangular cuff fits over caput humeri, not only providing clavicular support, but preventing shoulder roll by inhibiting antero-lateral rotation of the scapula, thereby minimising slumping and reducing head drop. Inward glide of upper strap is not possible, as the external strap1 of the triangle, being connected with the internal strap2 through the cross strap3, will prevent thia movement. The leg of the shoulder cuff is fixed to the base of the harness with individually adjustable (scoliosis!) clips. The base is variable and can be adapted to the seating and/or standing device used. Both harness parts are padded for comfort. Firm fixation to the back of a (wheel)chair can be achieved with Camlocks.
- Methods/Materials:
- It has taken several years, from inception of the concept, to develop into a useful client friendly resource. Ease-of-handling and choice of colours and patterns make the harness extremely useful, functional and attractive. The Royal Children's Hospital-Melbourne and Yooralla Society-Victoria are endorsing the product.
- Benefits/Conclusion:
- The Sholder-Holder Harness provides posture control and support, trunk stability and balance to the posturally challenged. It enables the wearer to achieve optimal motor functioning in upper body, facilitates respiratory function and swallowing, so promoting safe, dignified and comfortable eating/feeding procedures; it enhances eye contact and social interaction and is attractive in appearance.