Patented solution since 2015
What are the goals and advantages of Dynamic Seating?
A dynamic wheelchair solution is designed to work with the user’s natural movements rather than restrict them - whether these are voluntary or involuntary. The goals are:
Allowing movement
Distributing forces
Preventing injury
Improving postural control
Enabling indepence
Allowing movement
The patented Netti Dynamic System is designed to accommodate the user’s extension movements by allowing the wheelchair to move in synergy with involuntary motions. This reduces the need for the user to expend energy “fighting against the wheelchair” enabling them to conserve energy for other activities.
For users with involuntary movements, these motions are often their primary means of motoric expression. are often the only motoric way on how they can express themselves. Allowing them to move, allows them to express themselves.
Distributing forces
The uncontrolled movement and the strength of the movement is better guided with dynamic sitting components. The user will have less discomfort during spasms as the wheelchair supports the movement. Over time we have seen reduction in unwilling movements, spasms and agitations in our case studies.
The dynamic feautures of our wheelchairs absorb and respond to forces from extension patterns, spasms, or restlessness. In that way the options can help reducing strain, preventing sliding, and supporting optimal posture.
Prevent pressure injury
Maintaining an optimal position will distribute the load to the soft tissue at the seat in the best possible way and therefor reduce the pressure forces. One of the largest challenges for wheelchair users is to reduce the tendency of sliding, and in that way avoid shear forces. Managing pressure and shear together with other factors like microclimate, and tissue compression will reduce the overall risk of pressure ulcer development.
Preventing injury
Allowing the chair to move with the user, that’s what we call “adapt the wheelchair to the user” and this will reduce the possibility for the user to hurt himself during a spasm. The chair will support the user and hence reduce the possibility for abrasions, muscle injuries and injuries caused by damaged parts on the chair. Over time you might also be able to see a reduction in unwilling movements and agitations as a secondary positive preventive side effect.
Better postural control
Improving postural control and reducing the need for repositioning are key goals in any wheelchair configuration. One of the greatest challenges for wheelchair users is the tendency to slide, which can lead to increased shear and pressure forces, and umtimately, the risk of pressure ulcers.
The Netti Dynamic System is designed to accommodate the user’s extension movements by allowing the wheelchair work in synergy with the body. During spasm or involuntary movements, the system adapts to the user. Once the movement subsides, the user is gently guided back to the orignal seating position.
Maintaining correct positioning reduces strain on the musculoskeletal system, helping to minimise pain and discomfort.
Our clinical cases show that postural control can be maintained over longer periods, while the need for repositioning is reduced. This results in improved quality of life for the user, less time spent on repositioning, and lower risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Enabling independence and better ADL for the user
As the quality of the seating position incproves, so do the user's ability to perform daily activities (ADLs). It will be easier and more natural to e.g. drink, breath, speak etc.
When the user is more relaxed and able to maintain a stable seating position, they can remain seated for longer periods and enjoy more meaningful time with friends and family.
Find a guidance for choosing the right dynamic solution here or contact us for help and information.
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Other advantages of the Netti Dynamic system
Less discomfort during spasms
The uncontrolled movement and the strength of the movement is better guided with a dynamic solution. The user will have less discomfort during spasms as the wheelchair allows, guides and supports the movement. Our case studies show a reduction in unwilling movements, spasms and agitations over time. Also, by using a dynamic chair, it has been shown to result in a reduction of the experienced pain.
Reduced spasticity
Our case studies show that over time many user generally feels more relaxed and will have a reduction in the numbers of unwilling movements, spasms or agitations.
Improving organ- and cardio-vascular functions
Physiological functions like breathing, digestion and blood flow will improve. For the diaphragm, it is important to be able to move the upper spine and ribcage and stretch the front of the body so it’s less compressed. In this way, the lungs can be filled with air. When the lungs can be filled with air, the diaphragm will move downwards and thus push the digestive organs downwards which is important for a good digestive function. This will also allow for a good pressure difference between the chest and the abdomen which is important for a good fluid flow of blood and lymph which is an important factor for healthy and well functional organs.
Extended lifetime of the wheelchair
As the wheelchair absorbs the movements of the user there is also less force and tear of the wheelchair.