POSTURAL CONTROL IN SITTING - THE SAM SYSTEM - EVALUATION OF USE OVER3 YEARS

The most appropriate posture in which to support the person with sever e disability and diverse symptoms as a result of complex pathology rem ains more a matter of opinion than the result of research. This work r eviews some of the studies which have attempted to identify definitive criteria for seating in such cases. Factors relating to measurement a nd conditions which threaten to invalidate the results of research in this field are highlighted. A description of the Seating and Mobility (SAM) system is given, together with a report of the monitoring of nin e children with cerebral palsy using the system for a period of three years. The difficulties inherent in this work are noted and questions for future considerations are raised.