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Seating and Wheeled Mobility

These courses will provide you with the foundational skills to evaluate a range of clients who would benefit from wheeled seating and mobility.

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About this Certificate Program

Many people with disabilities require a wheelchair seating system to provide postural support, pressure distribution, and alignment and to optimize functional abilities. The first half of this series begins with seating assessment and moves through specific seating challenges as well as interventions. Many people using a wheelchair seating system will only achieve independent mobility through a power wheelchair. The second half of this series addresses power mobility, beginning with determining readiness, including research that supports early provision of power mobility with young children. Other courses address power wheelchair configuration considerations, power seating, alternative driving methods, mobility training, and advanced features. This technology is very sophisticated to provide independent mobility to a wide range of clients as well as provide control of external assistive technologies through the power wheelchair.

Target Audience

Therapists (OTs, COTAs, PTs, PTAs) working with clients who require wheeled seating and mobility interventions.

Goals & Objectives

  • The participant will be able to identify when seating intervention is required.
  • The participant will be able to list common seating challenges and appropriate interventions.
  • The participant will be able to list three developmental benefits of pediatric power mobility.
  • The participant will be able to list three proportional and three nonproportional power wheelchair driving methods.
  • The participant will be able to identify three power seating options and clinical indicators for each.

What's Included in the Certificate Program

Courses
Accredited Online Courses*

17 hours of online video lectures and patient demonstrations.

Courses
Interactive Learning Assessments

Case-based quizzes to evaluate and improve clinical reasoning.

Courses
Case Study Interviews

Recorded Q&A sessions between instructors and practice managers.

Section 1: Wheelchair Seating

7 Chapters

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: The Mat Assessmentkeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Introduction to the Mat AssessmentChapter 1

    This chapter will provide an introduction to the mat assessment, including a definition of the mat assessment, goals and components. Components include describing the client’s posture in supine and sitting on the edge of the mat table, as well as muscle tone, reflexes and postural control. This is important for the participant to understand before moving into the supine and sitting assessment.

  • The Mat Assessment: SupineChapter 2

    This chapter will address the supine portion of a mat assessment, where the client is placed supine on a mat table. Specific components of the supine examination will be discussed and demonstrated. Checking available range of motion and postural tendencies with gravity eliminated allows the evaluator to determine an optimal seated posture.

  • The Mat Assessment: SittingChapter 3

    This chapter will address the sitting portion of the mat assessment, where the client is seated on the edge of the mat table, with adequate postural support from the clinician. Specific components of the seated examination will be discussed and demonstrated. Checking available range of motion and postural tendencies with gravitational forces in upright further determines an optimal seated posture.

  • The Mat Assessment: ConclusionChapter 4

    This chapter will translate mat assessment findings into seating recommendations. A brief mat assessment of a client will be demonstrated.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Pelviskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Positioning the Pelvis: Posterior Pelvic TiltChapter 1

    This chapter will present posterior pelvic tilt, possible causes of this asymmetry and suggested strategies to correct to neutral tilt. Goals of correcting this symmetry will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Correcting a posterior pelvic tilt improves trunk extension and an upright head.

  • Positioning the Pelvis: Anterior Pelvic TiltChapter 2

    This chapter will address an anterior pelvic tilt, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. Correcting an anterior tilt promotes trunk and head control, stability and function and distributes pressure optimally.

  • Positioning the Pelvis: RotationChapter 3

    This chapter will address pelvic rotation, including causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. Correcting a pelvic rotation prevents rotation of the trunk.

  • Positioning the Pelvis: ObliquityChapter 4

    This chapter will address pelvic obliquity, causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. Pelvic obliquity can lead to lateral scoliosis and excessive pressure over one ischial tuberosity. The pelvis needs to be leveled, as much as possible.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Trunkkeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Positioning the Trunk: KyphosisChapter 1

    This chapter will present kyphosis, possible causes of this asymmetry and suggested strategies to correct to neutral, if flexible. Goals of correcting this asymmetry will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Correcting a kyphotic trunk facilitates a more upright head.

  • Positioning the Trunk: LordosisChapter 2

    This chapter will address lordosis, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. Correcting a lordosis promotes head control, stability and function and distributes pressure optimally.

  • Positioning the Trunk: Rotation and Lateral ScoliosisChapter 3

    This chapter will address trunk rotation and lateral flexion, including causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. A neutral trunk promotes head control, stability and function.

  • Positioning the Trunk: Fixed CombinationsChapter 4

    This chapter will address trunk asymmetries which are fixed and seen in combination with one another, causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. These cases require accommodation and often molded seating as well.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Lower Extremitieskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Positioning Lower Extremities: HipsChapter 1

    This chapter will present positioning challenges seen at the hips, possible causes and suggested strategies to correct to neutral, if flexible. Goals of correcting this asymmetry will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Addressing positioning needs at the hips increases stability and function.

  • Positioning the Lower Extremities: KneesChapter 2

    This chapter will address positioning challenges at the knees, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. Addressing positioning needs at the knees facilitates overall posture, promotes stability and may ease transfers and maneuverability of the wheelchair.

  • Positioning the Lower Extremities: Ankle and FootChapter 3

    This chapter will address ankle and foot range limitations, including causes, suggested solutions and goals of correction. Positioning the foot accommodates loss of range and protects the foot, as well as providing stability.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Upper Extremitieskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Positioning the Upper Extremities: Providing Additional SupportChapter 1

    This chapter will present scenarios where additional postural support is required for the upper extremities, such as with muscle weakness and paralysis. Suggested strategies will be presented. Goals of addressing this need will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Providing adequate postural support can protect shoulder integrity and prevent the arms from dropping to the sides where injury may occur.

  • Positioning the Upper Extremities: Destructive PosturesChapter 2

    This chapter will address several common destructive postures of the upper extremities, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. These postures can lead to range of motion losses, loss of shoulder integrity and other orthopedic distortions. Strategies to achieve a more neutral alignment can minimize these risks.

  • Positioning the Upper Extremities: Uncontrolled MovementsChapter 3

    This chapter will address uncontrolled movements of the upper extremities, including self-destructive movements. Positioning the upper extremities protects the client and others, and also provides stability.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Headkeyboard_arrow_down

Course

Section 2: Wheelchair Power Mobility

11 Chapters

Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Determining Readinesskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Is Independent Mobility That Important?Chapter 1

    This chapter will present the goals of determining if a child is ready for a power mobility device. Current and relevant research demonstrating the developmental benefits of early mobility will be reviewed. Finally, barriers to power mobility provision will be discussed.

  • Motor CriteriaChapter 2

    This chapter will present strategies for determining a child’s motor readiness to use a joystick, including motor requirements for this task. Strategies for determining motor readiness to use switches for driving a power mobility device will also be addressed.

  • Cognitive CriteriaChapter 3

    Power mobility use requires specific mobility concepts, including cause and effect, stop and go, directional concepts, problem-solving, and judgment. This chapter will present definitions and examples of each of these cognitive criteria.

  • Pre-AssessmentChapter 4

    This chapter will review strategies to simulate power mobility using a manual mobility base to determine and develop readiness for a power mobility device. A case study will be used to illustrate this technique.

  • View full course details »

Power Chair Configuration Considerationskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • This Isn’t Your Grandma’s WheelchairChapter 1

    This chapter will present definitions and clinical indicators for consumer-level and CRT-level power wheelchairs. CRT-level power wheelchairs support a wide range of seating systems and driving methods and allow for control of other features through the driving method.

  • Drive-Wheel ConfigurationChapter 2

    This chapter will present front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive configurations. The relationship between drive-wheel position, driving efficiency, and driving method will be discussed.

  • Tracking TechnologiesChapter 3

    The chapter will present tracking technologies, which improve power wheelchair driving efficiency. Clinical benefits of this technology, and a summary of a tracking study, will be presented.

  • SuspensionChapter 4

    This chapter will review power wheelchair suspension as a part of the wheelchair frame. Clinical benefits will be discussed.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Power Seatingkeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Power TiltChapter 1

    This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and justifications for the power tilt seat function on a power wheelchair. Power tilt provides many clinical benefits, including shifting the client’s weight. Anterior, posterior, and lateral tilt will be addressed.

  • Power ReclineChapter 2

    This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and justifications for the power recline seat function on a power wheelchair. Power recline provides many clinical benefits, including client weight redistribution. This chapter will also address power elevating leg rests, which are frequently used in combination with power recline.

  • Power StandChapter 3

    This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and justifications for the power stand seat function on a power wheelchair. Power stand provides many clinical benefits, including extending functional reach.

  • Power Seat Elevating DevicesChapter 4

    This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and justifications for power seat elevating devices on a power wheelchair. Power seat elevate provides many clinical benefits, including facilitating transfers.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Proportional Driving Methodskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Standard JoysticksChapter 1

    This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and information about mounting standard joysticks on a power wheelchair. It will also address specific placement, including angles, to best match a client’s needs.

  • Compact and Heavy-Duty JoysticksChapter 2

    This chapter will present a definition, clinical indicators, and information about mounting heavy-duty joysticks on a power wheelchair. Heavy-duty joysticks are sometimes used for clients who exert a great deal of force on the joystick, which would otherwise lead to damage.

  • Mini Proportional JoysticksChapter 3

    This chapter will present a definition and clinical indicators for mini proportional joysticks on a power wheelchair. Mini proportional joysticks require significantly less travel and force to activate, making these appropriate for many people with muscle weakness.

  • Mini Proportional Joystick MountingChapter 4

    Mini proportional joysticks are often used at the chin or hand. Various mounting options for either location will be presented, along with clinical indicators for each.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Nonproportional Driving Methodskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Nonproportional Driving MethodsChapter 1

    This chapter will present a definition and introduction to nonproportional, or digital, power wheelchair driving methods. Proximity and fiber-optic switches, clinical indicators, and mounting options will be presented.

  • Head ControlChapter 2

    This chapter will present driving methods that require good head control, including GyroSet, Magitek, and RIM. Head arrays that require fair to good head control will also be presented in the context of clinical indicators.

  • Sip ‘n Puff and Switch ControlChapter 3

    This chapter will present sip ‘n puff control and four switch arrays to provide independent mobility for clients who fit the clinical indicators for each. Any type of switch and switch site can be combined to meet an individual’s needs.

  • When Nothing Else WorksChapter 4

    When nothing else works, it is possible to drive a power wheelchair with only one, two, or three switches. Specific options and clinical indicators will be presented. Eye gaze as a driving method will be included.

  • View full course details »

Wheelchair Power Mobility: Mobility Trainingkeyboard_arrow_down

Course

Wheelchair Power Mobility: Advanced Featureskeyboard_arrow_down

Course
  • Power Wheelchairs Can Do More Than Drive!Chapter 1

    This chapter will present clinical advantages of accessing power wheelchair functions through the driving method, including reverse, speeds, power seating, interfaced assistive technology devices, Bluetooth mouse emulation, and infrared transmission.

  • Bluetooth and Power WheelchairsChapter 2

    This chapter will define Bluetooth and present how power wheelchairs with Bluetooth capabilities can be paired with smartphones, tablets, computers, and some communication devices to provide control through the driving method. Clinical considerations will also be discussed.

  • InterfacingChapter 3

    This chapter will present how to interface an external assistive technology device to provide control through the power wheelchair driving method. Clinical considerations will be discussed.

  • Smart TechnologiesChapter 4

    This chapter will present emerging technologies that make power wheelchairs smarter. New technologies include warning systems, obstacle and drop-off avoidance, speed and navigation assistance, and even health data tracking.

  • View full course details »

Section 3: Supplemental Materials and Readings

1 Chapters

Instructors
Michelle L. Lange

OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

CEU Approved

17 total hours* of accredited coursework.
MedBridge accredits each course individually so you can earn CEUs as you progress.

      Our clinic could not be happier with MedBridge.

Amy Lee, MPT, OCS
Physical Therapy Central

       MedBridge has allowed us to create a culture of learning that we were previously unable to attain with traditional coursework.

Zach Steele, PT, DPT, OCS
Outpatient Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services

    MedBridge has created a cost-effective and quality platform that is the future of online education.

Grant R. Koster, PT, ATC, FACHE
Vice President of Clinical Operations, Athletico Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get CEU credit?
Each course is individually accredited. Please check each course for your state and discipline. You can receive CEU credit after each course is completed.

When do I get my certificate?
You will receive accredited certificates of completion for each course as you complete them. Once you have completed the entire Certificate Program you will receive your certificate for the program.

*Accreditation Hours
Each course is individually accredited and exact hours will vary by state and discipline. Check each course for specific accreditation for your license.

Do I have to complete the courses in order?
It is not required that you complete the courses in order. Each Certificate Program's content is built to be completed sequentially but it is not forced to be completed this way.

How long do I have access to the Certificate Program?
You will have access to this Certificate Program for as long as you are a subscriber. Your initial subscription will last for one year from the date you purchase.

Sample Certificate

Sample Certificate

Complete this series to receive your certificate.

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Certificate Program
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  • Show patient and clients your commitment to education

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