Seating and mobility considerations for people with spinal cord injury

For people with spinal cord injuries, the selection of a wheelchair and sea ting system involves many factors. This clinical perspective describes a mo del that includes consideration of the person, the wheelchair, the immediat e environment between the person and the wheelchair, the intermediate envir onment of the home and work, and the community environment. The seated post ure is examined biomechanically, and literature is reviewed that highlights the differences in the seated position of people with spinal cord injuries and people without spinal cord injuries. Reports regarding overuse injurie s of the shoulder and wrists are discussed along with methods of relieving pressure at the buttock and seat interface. The impact that research findin gs should have on current clinical practice and the need for more research to provide evidence to either support or change current practice are discus sed.