Purpose: This report presents the adaptation of an assistive device chair for bedside sitting and its application in two patients with trunk control impairment in the acute stroke phase.
Materials and methods: The device was built with polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes and designed by a team of mechanical engineers and physiotherapists to maintain a prolonged sitting position with less demand from therapists. To test the device, two patients were followed up during the acute phase of stroke. Both patients underwent an early mobilization program (30 min, twice a day, for three days) with an assistive device chair for bedside sitting. Patients were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) checklist (b: body function; d: activity and participation).
Results: The adaptations generated the following equipment: 1) foldable, 2) three levels of backrest inclination, and 3) a safety anterior support or an activity table. Both patients showed clinical improvement after the intervention period, with NIHSS score reduction, TIS improvement, and greater functionality and independence on the ICF framework.
Conclusion: The equipment with adaptations seems to be functional, easy to handle, and can potentially contribute to clinical and functional improvements in patients with trunk control deficits after stroke.
Keywords: Stroke; assistive technology; early mobilization; sitting posture; trunk control.
The assistive device chair has a low manufacturing cost, and allow an easy handling and storageThe assistive device chair has been adapted to facilitate sitting posture;The assistive device chair can be used as an auxiliary tool in early mobilizations protocols and contemporary rehabilitation approaches;The early mobilization protocol associated with the assistive device chair can generate clinical improvements in acute stroke.The mobilization protocol associated with the assistive device chair can promote improvement in International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health domains in acute stroke.