Page 85 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

72 HANDBOOK OF ELECTRONIC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

FIGURE 3-16 Hip adduction on one side: right femur is toward the midline�

FIGURE 3-17 ‘Windswept’ hips: legs toward one side of the body, e�g�, left femur is in abduction and right is
in adduction�

of time. The main measurements of range of movement in the lower limbs that impact on pos-
tural ability are shown in the next paragraph. These measurements need to be accurately car-
ried out with the person lying on a firm plinth. It will require two people, one of whom should
be experienced in measuring joint movement. It is important to note how much stretch or
pressure is required to achieve a certain range of movement. For example, if the hip can be
flexed to 90 degrees but this cannot be tolerated for more than a few seconds, then the per-
son will not be comfortable to sit with their hip in this position for any length of time. Always
check asymmetry of movement as this will require accommodation within equipment.
Important measurements required for seating include:
• Hip flexion (movement of the knee toward the chest). Without sufficient hip flexion, a
person is unable to sit with their hips at right angles.
• Hip abduction/adduction with hip flexed to 90 degrees (movement of the hip away
from the midline/toward the midline). This is often uneven, right to left, and seen with
internal rotation of one of the hips. It will affect the position of the pelvis and how the
person is taking weight through their buttocks. In children and young people, it can
be a sign of changes at the hip joint such as hip subluxation.