A pediatric patient with a neuromuscular disorder may have difficulty sitting unaided. The Level of Sitting Scale can be used to determine the amount of support that the patient requires to maintain a sitting position. For a pediatric patient who can sit independently, the scale reflects the stability of the patient while sitting.
Patient selection: pediatric patient with neuromuscular disorder
Patient set-up:
(1) The patient is placed at the edge of a bench with feet unsupported.
(2) The hips and trunk are flexed sufficiently so that the trunk is inclined at least 60 degrees AOBVE the horizontal plane.
(3) The patient's head may be neutral with respect to the trunk or flexed.
(4) The position is maintained for at least 30 seconds if possible.
(5) Testing should be done to ensure the patient's safety.
Observation
Term
Level
The patient can incline to one or both sides >= 20° and can re-erect self without using the hands for support.
shifts trunk laterally, re-erects
6
The patient can incline forward >= 20° and can re-erect self without using the hands for support.
shifts trunk forward, re-erects
5
The child can sit independently if the limbs or trunk are not moved
maintains position, does not move
4
The patient requires support only at the pelvis.
supported at the pelvis
3
The patient requires support of the trunk and pelvis.
supported from trunk downward
2
The patient requires support of the head, trunk and pelvis to maintain sitting position.
supported from head downward
1
The patient cannot be placed in sitting OR The patient cannot be held in sitting by one person.
unplaceable
0
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
