Postural Management: Seating Vs Bed Rests
Need A Specialist Seating Solution? Speak To the Experts
Poor posture can affect everyone at some point in their lives. From everyday workers to the elderly, those with disabilities, and people recovering from an illness. The spectrum of physical effects from poor posture and extensive sitting/lying down can vary from neck and shoulder pain to pressure ulcers.
Effective postural management plays a pivotal role in promoting overall health, comfort, and well-being, particularly for individuals with specific mobility or support needs. Whether for medical reasons or simply to enhance daily comfort, choosing the right support system is essential in maintaining proper posture and preventing complications.
Repose provides seating solutions that go beyond furniture—addressing critical aspects of postural health. In this article, we will explore the key differences between seating and bed rests, examining their roles in postural management and highlighting how innovative seating solutions from Repose can meet diverse needs with precision and care.
What Is Postural Management?
Postural management is an assessment of how a person’s body adapts in response to gravity. This process involves positioning and supporting an individual to improve or maintain their posture.
If a person has a disability or an illness which means they are unable to change their position without assistance, then they are at high risk of getting pressure ulcers or having contractures (stiffness and shortening of muscles).
With the correct use of Postural Management, the functional abilities of an individual can improve and the following physiological issues can be prevented:
- Pressure ulcers
- Contractures
- Negative body changes
- Physical pain
- Spinal dysfunction
- Rounded shoulders
- Slowed digestion
Why Specialist Seating Is Ideal for Posture Care
Increased Function That Provides Greater Independence
Specialist seating is designed to increase function and provide greater independence for the user. It can be used to position the body correctly, which helps to prevent deformities and relieve pain. Improving functionality and mobility in individuals who might need specialist seating can also help to reduce the risk of falls and improve quality of life. The lack of mobility can have a serious impact on the mental and emotional well-being of an individual, so it is important to consider this when choosing a posture care solution.
Reduced Risk of Pressure Injuries
Specialist seating also provides excellent pressure management in terms of posture care. This is because the seat can be adjusted to distribute weight evenly, and the user can change position frequently to avoid pressure build-up. This is especially important for people who are at risk of developing pressure injuries. Pressure sores often develop in people who are confined to beds or chairs for long periods, so it is important to choose a posture care solution that minimizes the risk of pressure injuries.
Improved Social Interaction
Specialist seating like riser recliner chairs can also improve social interaction. This is because the user can sit upright in a comfortable position, which makes it easier to interact with others. Being able to interact socially can have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the use of riser recliner specialist seating can aid elderly people in improving mobility which is correlated with sociability, making it an excellent posture care tool.
The Effects of Using Bed Rests
While bed rests can be effective in the short term for posture management, several drawbacks make them less ideal for long-term use.
- First, bed rests can lead to muscle weakness and atrophy. This is because the muscles are not being used when the individual is lying down. Over time, this can lead to reduced functionality and mobility.
- Second, bed rests can also cause pressure injuries. As we mentioned before, pressure injuries often develop in people who are confined to bed or chairs for long periods. Therefore, it is important to choose a posture care solution that minimises the risk of pressure injuries.
- Third, bed rest can also have a negative impact on mental and emotional well-being. This is because the individual is not able to interact with others when they are lying down. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Finally, bed rests can also be expensive. The cost of a hospital bed can be prohibitive for many people, especially if it is only needed for a short time.
Impacts of Prolonged Bed Rest on the Body
Respiration
Prolonged bed rest can significantly affect respiration by reducing lung function and ventilation efficiency. Lying flat for extended periods limits the expansion of the lungs, which can decrease oxygen intake and lead to shallow breathing.
Reduced lung activity can cause a buildup of mucus in the airways, increasing the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia. Immobility also weakens respiratory muscles, making it harder to take deep breaths or cough effectively, further impairing the ability to clear the lungs.
Over time, this diminished respiratory capacity can contribute to decreased oxygen levels and overall reduced cardiovascular health.
Digestion/Swallowing/Elimination
Extended bed rest and poor posture can negatively impact digestion, swallowing, and elimination.
Digestion:
Lying down for long periods slows peristalsis, the muscle contractions that move food through the digestive system, leading to bloating, indigestion, and constipation. Poor posture can also cause acid reflux as stomach acid moves back into the oesophagus.
Swallowing:
Reclined or flat positions make swallowing more difficult and increase the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway. Extended immobility may weaken the throat and oesophageal muscles, further complicating swallowing.
Elimination:
Immobility reduces abdominal muscle engagement, which can lead to constipation. Poor posture may also disrupt normal bladder emptying, increasing the risk of urinary retention, infection, or incontinence. Additionally, extended bed rest may alter calcium metabolism, raising the risk of kidney stones.
Small movements and maintaining good posture can help mitigate these issues and improve bodily functions.
Muscle Atrophy & Weakness
Extended bed rest can lead to stiffness in the joints, as well as the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Over time, muscles may become permanently shortened, and joints that lose flexibility can develop a condition known as contracture, where they remain permanently bent.
Our Recommended Healthcare Recliner Chairs
At Repose, we understand how transformative choosing the right seating solution can be in a person’s life. We have been creating bespoke seating options to suit each individual’s needs since 1999 with a mission to improve the quality of life and postural support of people all over the UK.
Each of our chairs has customisable options to assist with postural management, mobility and comfort. From supportive cushions to enhanced neck support and a choice of single or dual motors, we have a wide variety of bespoke features to help create your ideal seating solution.
FAQs for Postural Management: Seating Vs Bed Rests
24-hour posture management involves tailoring all seating (such as armchairs, wheelchairs, shower chairs, and commodes) and lying surfaces (like beds) to meet an individual’s specific postural needs. This approach ensures comprehensive assessment and interventions to provide continuous support throughout the day and night.
