Objective: This study investigates the effects of four individual wheelchair components (upper extremity supports, lateral trunk supports, anterior pelvic belt, and 30 degree posterior seat tilt), on pulmonary function in prepubertal children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods: Participants who range in age from 5-10 years were evaluated using four wheelchair components in six configurations (conditions 1-6) using a planar seating simulator. The Respironics Non Invasive Cardiac Output monitor (NICO) and MasterScreen Impulse Oscillometry System (IOS) measured pulmonary function parameters. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze effect of wheelchair conditions on total airway resistance (R(AW)).
Results: Eight participants completed the protocol. R(AW) and minute ventilation (MV) varied with wheelchair condition. Lowest R(AW) was seen with two upper extremity supports or two lateral trunk supports. Differences were not significant (p = 0.253).
Conclusions: The NICO and IOS, independent of participant effort, measured R(AW) and MV, which varied by wheelchair seating condition. More research is needed with a larger sample to determine seating components' impact on pulmonary function. These methods objectively measured pulmonary function of young children with CP in wheelchairs and could facilitate further research into benefits of wheelchair postural support components.