25/06/2008 - Name: T.M. Age: 9 years Occupation: Student, Queensland, Australia
Symptoms
Due to Down's Syndrome, T.M. has very low muscle tone. Seated on the school seat provided, his pelvis rotates backwards, which collapses his spine into a 'C' shape, his shoulders hunch, his neck is bent out of its natural alignment and shoulder blades are markedly 'winged'. Even if attaining a correct posture in this seat was possible, T.M. would have great difficult in maintaining it. In the school seat, postural muscles have to work far too hard over an hour, let alone two classes, or a whole day, for him to be able to maintain correct posture (even for a child with good tone this is difficult).
T.M. therefore, sits for long periods of his day, day after day, in a position of postural deformity. In this position T.M. is slumped over his work, making writing as well as other functional tasks difficult. His elbows are used to support his trunk as he leans on his desk with no, or very little, weight being borne by his feet.
Introduction to the Saddle Seat
T.M.'s occupational therapist and physiotherapist have recommended that he try the Bambach Saddle Seat to improve his posture and functional skills, such as writing and drawing, which are greatly assisted by good posture. T.M. tried a standard Bambach Saddle Seat with a back, low stem and a sheepskin cover. A slope board also assists his work.
Result
T.M.'s posture is visibly improved by the Bambach Saddle Seat, his pelvis now being upright rather than tilted backwards. His lumbar curve is restored to its natural curve, reducing stress on his spinal discs and reducing the strain on his thoracic spine. His head, neck and shoulders are no longer hunched over his desk; they are in a neutral position of greatest stability and maximum functional ability. His feet are flat on the floor, giving him good proprioceptive feedback and mobility around his workstation.
There is a very great advantage in maintaining good posture for children with Down's Syndrome, as they can develop spinal deformities due to low tone, poor posture and less activity than is desirable for developing bodies. The Bambach Saddle Seat positions T.M. so that activity is stimulated and encouraged.
