Case Study;
| Name: | N.G. |
|---|---|
| Age: | 6 |
| Occupation: | Pre-School Student |
Symptoms
N.G. is a child with spina bifida, which has resulted in partial paralysis of his legs from his knees down.
His lower legs are moved by his quadriceps, which are weak, as are the other extensors. He is incontinent for both bowel and bladder, and he has had many surgical operations for his dislocated hips and back, which have failed. Each hospitalisation has meant long months of inactivity, and travel, and being removed from all normal activity. When an operation fails, he is even further behind his peers. N.G. is very cheerful and accepting, positive and co-operative which defines his courage and the intense commitment of his parents especially his mother, who cares for this highly dependent boy.
Introduction to the Saddle Seat
N.G.'s occupational therapist recommended the Bambach Saddle Seat, as she felt that, among other benefits, the seat offered one of the most important ones for N.G. - it helps him attain and maintain correct posture. This is especially significant for N.G., as it is important to avoid further physical impairment of his spine (to add to his existing physical difficulties). The seat he uses is a cut down, black vinyl with a back, an 80mm drop through stem, 3 locking castors and a washable, real sheepskin cover.
Result
On the Bambach Saddle Seat N.G. feels and is secure (he slides forward and off a conventional seat). The Bambach Saddle Seat anchors his pelvis, allowing him to assume and maintain an upright, active posture. On a flat seat, he has to prop on to his elbows to write; on the Bambach Saddle Seat his functional ability is improved (such as when reaching, manipulating toys and educational equipment as well as pushing with his legs and feet). On the Bambach Saddle Seat he can lean forward, rotate and flex from his hips. He uses the movement he has in his legs to move about and position himself for the task at hand.
His occupational therapist feels that his back and abdominal muscles will tone up and improve his ability to maintain his posture without so much support.
N.G. using typical school seating, with disastrous results for his posture. His spine and abdomen are collapsed, his head protruding to enable to see work. His shoulders are elevated statically, his functional ability poor. 
N.G. on a Bambach Saddle Seat, his postural deformities corrected, his head and neck in natural alignment. He has greatly improved function as well as morale. He can pivot on stem in all directions, eliminating trunk rotation across an immobile pelvis.
Bambach understands the problems associated with Spina Bifida
- Lower limb weakness or paralysis and sensory loss
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Orthopaedic abnormalities such as kyphosis, scoliosis, clubfoot, muscle contractures, hip dislocation
- Hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid on the brain)
- Chari II malformations
- Growth retardation
The Bambach design, Spina Bifida and Riding for the Disabled
The Bambach saddle seat was designed by an Australian Occupational Therapist as a result of her observation following years spent working with 'Riding for the Disabled'.
She found that disabled individuals suffering from neurological conditions such as SB often had great difficulty in maintaining a healthy posture and assumed a 'collapsed' or 'slouched' posture when seated in a conventional wheelchair and required considerable support (or strapping) to remain sitting.
These same individuals when sat on horseback were however capable of sitting independently and unsupported and showed remarkably improved functional abilities as a result of being put on a horse on a saddle.
