Therapy chairs for children and youngsters
Encouraging active sitting behaviour
Encouraging dynamically active sitting behaviour is very important in children and youngsters with cerebral movement disorders (e.g. spasticity) and perception processing disorders (ADS/ADHS/autism). Special chairs can provide assistance during lessons or therapy sessions.
As much support and assistance as necessary
A secure, balanced and symmetrical sitting position can be achieved with a pelvic support, a specially shaped seat block and local pulse generators. Fully variable adjustment of the seat height ensures that both feet have firm contact with the floor, while castors give the user more mobility.
This therapy chair helps children to acquire a feeling for their own balance and to perceive the movements of their body while also maintaining balance and control.
Regulating muscle tone, improving fine motor skills and increasing attention levels
The secure, symmetrical sitting position regulates muscular tension and is a key prerequisite for being able to start activating fine motor skills. The upright, unsupported sitting posture lets the children move their arms freely and in a relatively relaxed manner.
Holding their bodies and heads upright gives users a new level of perception: the enhanced levels of attention make it easier to communicate with their surroundings.
Note
The chair is suitable for children with minimum control of their trunk and a minimum level of support functionality in their legs.
Professional briefing in the use of the therapy chair is necessary, together with exercise instructions and a training session with a therapist.
Checklist
- The seat block must be designed to permit an active, secure and balanced sitting posture. The sitting position must be so secure that no other fixations are necessary. This encourages an upright position, fosters the sense of balance and promotes mobilisation.
- The chair should warrant clear spreading of the legs. The rear part of the chair should be raised for an upright position of the pelvis.
- Stimulation elements can greatly improve upright posture and general balance. A pelvic support and additional pulse generators under the shoulder blades give guidance and encourage a secure sitting position.
- Freedom of movement of arms and hands may not be restricted to permit balance and coordination exercises.
- The feet must be firmly in contact with the floor to provide a safe basis for a secure sitting position. It should therefore be possible to adjust the height of the chair.
- Top-quality castors give the user more mobility, thus encouraging independence and motivation. It must be possible to fix the castors.
Minimum requirements
- Seat block for a secure sitting position
- Stimulation elements to improve upright posture and general balance
- Adjustable height for floor contact
- Lockable castors
Products in this sector with the AGR seal of approval
Manufacturer
Thomashilfen
Walkmühlenstr. 1
27432 Bremervörde
GERMANY
Tel. +49 4761/88 60
Fax +49 4761/88 61 9
www.thomashilfen.com