Article

Objectives:To evaluate the efficacy of the
Postural Assessment Software PAS/SAPO in the posture analysis of individuals with
spinal cord injury (SCI) during sitting position and to analyze if the use of
different types of seat cushions-gel and foam, with no cushion-can interfere in
the individual's posture during sitting position.Setting:Centre of Rehabilitation
at the University Hospital (FMRP-USP), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.Methods:Eight
individuals, four paraplegics and four tetraplegics with SCI and 20 healthy
individuals participated in the study. Photos were taken of individuals in the
sitting position using foam, gel cushions and with no cushion. They were analyzed
using the PAS/SAPO. The alignment of the anterior-superior iliac spine (ASIS) and
the posterior pelvic tilt were evaluated from the angle formed between the ASIS
and the greater trochanter of the femur.Results:The group of healthy individuals
presented the best postural alignment when compared with the group with SCI, both
for the ASIS alignment (P<0.05) and for the degree of posterior pelvic tilt
(P<0.05). No significant differences were found in the variables analyzed when
the seat cushions were compared.Conclusion:The different types of cushions did
not alter the sitting posture; however, individuals with SCI showed worse
postural alignment than the healthy individuals. PAS/SAPO was demonstrated to be
useful for postural assessment.

Langue : ANGLAIS