A pilot study: effect of a half-sloped seat surface on sitting posture in adults with cerebral palsy using a wheelchair

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a half-sloped (HS) seat surface as a new approach to seating on individuals with cerebral palsy. Eight adults with cerebral palsy, with a mean age of 35.88 ± 6.08 years, were enrolled in this study to compare their seating postures and upper limb function between both a standard seat and an HS seat. Measurements included pelvic tilt angle, hip joint angle, thoracic flexion angle, craniovertebral angle and upper limb function test as Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF) scores. The HS seat resulted in an increase in the flexion angle of the thoracic spine by 17.37°, an increase in displacement by 4.07% and a reduction in forward head posture by 14.00°. Additionally, the STEF scores on both hands improved by 14.00 points. The results of this study suggest that the HS seat might improve sitting posture and upper extremity function in individuals with cerebral palsy. The HS seat might contribute to improving the quality of life in these individuals by promoting pelvic stability and maintaining the physiological curvature of the spine. Further large-scale studies and long-term follow-up are needed to validate the clinical efficacy of the HS seat.