Functional mobile seating solutions

Assessment Considerations

Occupational therapists are often asked to complete assessments for clients who can mobilise around their home with or without a mobility device, but who cannot safely stand while performing fine motor tasks or carry items while walking. These clients may benefit from a non-wheelchair, mobile seating solution that enables them to move around a workspace, carry items, and complete activities while seated.

Start with Simple Solutions

The assessment should include consideration of the client’s diagnosis and prognosis, mobility and transfer abilities, balance and strength, falls risk, and environmental factors.

Once information has been gathered through the assessment process, the assessor should consider whether simple, low-cost strategies and equipment could improve their client’s independence. These may include:

• Positioning frequently used items within reach.

• Completing tasks seated at a table and using a trolley to transport items.

• Using a perching stool for supported standing activities at bench height.

Customised office chairs

When low tech or lower cost options are not suitable, a customised office chair may provide a cost-effective mobile seating solution. It can support clients to remain seated, move short distances using their feet, carry items safely, or the seat height can be adjusted to allow them to work at a table or bench.

Various modifications can be made to the office chair and the castors as described in the tables below.

Office chair customisations

Clinical considerations	Custom options
Seat height adjustability	Low, mid and height lift gas struts  Static strut to remove the swivel function
Seat size and shape	Specified width x length seats  Flat or contoured seats
Seat comfort	Super-soft seats  Seats with a coccyx cut-out
Arm support while seated and/or for transfers	Adjustable height armrests
Adjustability and back support	Slide seat  Inflatable lumbar support  Extended backrest
High body weight/heavy use	Heavy duty option

Castor options

Castor type	Features
Standard castors	50mm diameter  Freewheeling with no braking
Brake castors (friction brake)	Roll freely when the user is seated  Lock when no weight is applied e.g. while getting to standing or sitting down
Soft-wheel brake castors	Provides hard floor protection  Increased friction
Manual brake castors	User engages brake lever on each castor
Reverse brake castors	Lock when seated
Large castors	60mm diameter  Roll more easily
Glides	No rolling movement

Key takeaways

• Ensure you provide clear clinical justification for any equipment solution

• Always consider lower-cost alternatives first – the office chairs on the ACC Simple and Standard lists are a good starting point

• A customised office chair may meet a client’s functional needs at a fraction of the cost of specialist seating systems

• Higher-cost mobile seating solutions should be reserved for clients whose needs cannot be safely met with standard or modified seating.

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References

Resources - Ergonomic Office Chairs - Bytes & Pieces Limited

https://www.enable.co.nz/acc-assessors/product-information/acc-equipment-online