Benefits of the Bambach for Multiple Sclerosis
When sitting on the Bambach Saddle Seat
- The hips are at an angle of 45-degree flexion in external rotation and abduction. In this position, the individual can be balanced and secure with dynamic postural control allowing him or her to move in all planes easily.
- In this sitting position the hip joint is in its ‘loose-pack' position, where there is least pressure on the joint structures and least joint surface contact. This places the hip joint in a stable and comfortable position.
- This position places the limbs in a mid range position which is beneficial in maintaining muscle length and normal tone. This is especially true for the hip adductor muscles (muscles which pull the leg towards the midline) which often demonstrate spasticity in the MS patient resulting in the involuntary scissoring of the legs. This can help prevent further complications such as muscle contracture or hip pain and subluxation which can require surgical intervention.
- The Bambach Saddle Seat can be finely adjusted so the pelvis is stabilised in its upright, neutral position. By providing secure pelvic control, it then follows, as the spine responds to the correct pelvic angle that it can be active in its natural upright curves.
- A clear midline assists maintenance of balance and symmetry. This assists in activating the muscles of postural control in a balanced way which allows the development of a symmetrical posture reducing the risk of scoliosis.
- The individual sitting upright is an active posture rather than a passive collapsed position. Conventional seating will cause the hypotonic patient to slump forward and develop poor postural habits which if unaddressed will lead to secondary musculoskeletal problems.
- Greater control of sensory inputs which trigger unwanted involuntary motor responses.
- Partial weight bearing can be encouraged through to standing from a half-sitting position, which stimulates lower limb proprioception (sensory feedback), mobilizes the joint and improves muscle tone. This also facilitates transfers from sitting to standing and reduces the reliance on family/ carers.
- Facilitation of independence in sitting and other motor activities.
- Trunk and head control are easier in the natural position so that functional activities, such as swallowing and speech are improved.
- With the upper body stable and free to move in this upright posture, eye contact, communication and social interaction are a great deal easier, leading to improved self-esteem.
- Retraction of the shoulder girdle into the neutral position means that upper limb tasks and fine motor activities are facilitated allowing self care activities, such as meals, washing and dressing, and writing and computer work to be more easily performed.
Bambach understands the problems associated with Multiple Sclerosis
- Tremor (unintentional rhythmic muscle movement, usually in the hands)
- Decreased co-ordination and balance causing an unsteady gait
- Muscle weakness in one or more limbs
- Muscle spasticity
- Temperature sensitivity and exercise intolerance
- Fatigue and dizziness
Focus on pelvic control maintains an upright stable pelvis in its neutral position. In this position the spine, shoulder girdle, trunk, head and neck can function in their most stable position.

