Development of a chair that moves with the child during spasms

 

An ingenious chair for disabled children who have frequent spasms could be available for use within the next few years. Funding from children’s charity Action Medical Research has supported researchers working on its development.

The unique chair moves with children during spasms. It gives these disabled children relief from discomfort and, for the first time in their lives, the confidence they need to sit independently — bringing new-found freedom both to the children and to their parents or carers, who would normally sit them on their laps.

The team of researchers at the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering is seeking funding to begin manufacture of the chair, as well as further research into its potential benefits. Action Medical Research awarded a grant in 2008 for the three year research project.

Trials have shown severely disabled children using the chair were able to adjust their posture without going into a spasm, and use body movements to help them communicate.

The researchers have evolved a new kind of design technique that has allowed them to develop the ground-breaking chair.

“These unique chairs move with children during spasms, keeping the children’s upper body almost upright and allowing their hips and knees to extend. The children are returned to their resting position as they relax” Professor Orpwood describes.

The researchers plan further studies to gather more evidence on how the chairs affect children’s lives.

Further information on the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering: www.bime.org.uk/