The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) is calling for comments on an updated position paper.
The “RESNA Position on the Application of Tilt, Recline, and Elevating Leg Rests [ELRs] for Wheelchairs Literature Update 2024” is an update of the original paper, published in 2017. The paper is in the middle of a 30-day public review comment period, until June 15.
“This update includes a literature review and update,” said RESNA Executive Director Andrea Van Hook in a May 9 announcement. “Per our guidelines, RESNA position papers should be updated every five years. We got a little behind due to the pandemic, but it’s out now!”
Van Hook indicated the paper has already been extensively reviewed by members of RESNA’s Wheeled Mobility Special Interest Group (SIG), as well as outside experts.
After the public comment period closes, the authors will submit the paper to the RESNA board for approval.
What tilt, recline, and ELRs can achieve
The paper’s authors are Jillian Stamatelos, MOTR/L, ATP/SMS, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital
Jefferson Health Systems; Tabatha James, ATP/SMS, OTR, Numotion; Rebecca Russell, PT, DPT, ATP,
UPMC Center for Assistive Technology; Heather Cianciolo OTR/L, ATP/SMS, Regional Clinical Education Manager, Permobil Americas; Jennith Bernstein, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS, Clinical Affairs Manager, Permobil; and Grace Denfeld, OTR/L, The Afya Foundation of America.
The paper declares that tilt, recline, and elevating leg rests are critical to performing mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADLs) for people who use wheelchairs.
Specifically, RESNA and the paper’s authors said tilt, recline, and ELRs can provide improved transfer safety and biomechanics; postural realignment and corrective or accommodated positioning; improved physiological functioning; pressure redistribution and tissue perfusion; improved pain management and comfort, and decreased fatigue; sitting tolerance and participation; and quality of life and performance of MRADLs.
“This position statement from RESNA encourages informed application of seat function prescription and use to mitigate potential risks and ensure positive outcomes,” the paper said.
The paper also covers indications and contraindications for tilt, recline, and ELR use; definitions of the seating technologies and what they accomplish; and a review of current literature, i.e., studies and research on the use of these seating options. The research discussed included clinical findings, such as the results of using tilt and recline in combination; and the amounts of tilt and/or recline needed to reduce pressure to a clinically meaningful degree.
A section of the updated paper discusses new evidence on managing pressure injury risk.
Access and read the draft position paper, and submit comments, by visiting the RESNA website.