BackCare charity panel product review: Is your chair bad for your health?

“Although saddle seats have been around for a number of years, they tend to be used by business professionals such as dentists and musicians, rather than for general back care. Several are available but most can leave comfort and quality to be desired. BackCare’s product panel tested the Bambach Saddle Seat in several different occupational situations and found it to be extremely functional and superply engineered to very high quality standards. The saddle is very comfortable and has a curved rear lip which is higher than on horse saddles or other saddle seats. This feature tends to encourage a forward pelvic tilt which keeps the spine straight, encouraging the natural lumbar curve and discouraging sitting in the forward slump,, on one buttock or fidgeting from side to side.

In comparison with other saddle seats on the market, this seat is superior but weighs in at the top end of the price range. However, in the panels opinion, this should not be a restraint if you are considering buying a work chair. This is a top quality product, highly functional in the war against back pain. It could be worth considering for general home use if you regularly sit for long periods in front of a computer or keyboard etc, and if you need a really back friendly stool for your all night internet browsing.”
Talkback article

Head injury rehabilitation: Assessment and treatment following brain injury

I was required to find seating solutions for a client presenting with complex needs following a severe head injury. The clients seating needs were identified through both individual OT assessment and by joint assessment with a Speech and Language Therapist. The client’s needs were jointly identified as:

Identification of Seating Needs:

• To provide an upright, symmetrical position for eating and drinking to minimise the risk of aspiration
• To encourage mobility around the home and changes in position by providing alternative seating within the home
• To be at a suitable height to allow eating from a table, or a tray without the need to turn or flex position
• To be at the correct height for feet to be placed on the floor (or other surface)
• To be at a suitable height to allow the client to independently transfer to a standing position, with supervision only

Several individual seating assessments were then arranged and each product evaluated in terms of meeting the clients needs. It became evident that there would not be one specific product that would meet the above criteria but the one which came closest was the Bambach Seat. During the process of assessment and risk assessment, an area of need was identified regarding transferring on and off the seat and with the application of the brakes. It was recommended that the client required supervision when transferring on and off the seat and that this supervision would include ensuring that the brakes were fully engaged for safety. A trial of the seat was carried out with the client’s agreement and a graded introduction programme was devised.

The Bambach was then purchased and its purpose was agreed for use at meal times and when drinking fluids. The seat was additionally recommended as a ‘working chair’. It was found that the seat promoted an upright position, allowing the client to engage in activities from an improved functional position which enabled the client to use his arms and hands with more ease, compared to being seated in a wheelchair or standard chair.

Whilst it is difficult to separate the clinical effectiveness of the seat from a number of other variables, it is my opinion that the Bambach seat has contributed to the client’s continuing rehabilitation in relation to: improved posture, improving trunk mobility and functional use of upper limbs. The seat was able to be moved around the home easily to allow a variety of uses.

Jane Warbrick. Occupational Therapist – HPC. Associate – Head Injury Rehab