Objective

To study seated postural control in neuromuscular disorder.

Materials/patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of 130 neuromuscular adult patients having a positioning wheelchair consultation in Foundation of Garches. The assessment is done with the seated postural control measure for adults.

Results

Most of the patients had severe intensity illness, only10% were walking and 29% were with tracheostomial ventilation. The reasons of consultation where: positioning, choice or change of wheelchair, pain and prevention (rarely). The own wheelchair’s patient was powered wheelchair with seat adapted to the person type 2 in only 91 cases. 109 patients (84%) experienced pain in their wheelchair. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, 44 (88%) were painful in there wheelchair. The topography of pain is frequently ischiatic. 19 patients (14%) had a pressure ulcer. All the patients examined have deformities. In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, pelvic obliquity and trunc tilt are frequently observed; in FSHD pelvic anterior tilt is frequent, and in steinert myotonic posterior tilt is frequent.

Discussion/Conclusion

In order to improve the quality of life of this population, a study about the posture in wheelchair is therefore essential, most precociously.