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Memory Seat Functions:
What are they and why should they be considered?
When considering power seat functions, it is important to consider all of the functional activities and tasks that a person needs to perform on a regular basis. Power seat functions andthe setup of actuators means that we can program the chair to support and enable function
in almost any task. “Memory seat functions” allow the client to program the end positions ofeach power seat function angle – creating a unique “position” or posture for the client thatcan be achieved by a push of a button and/or the joystick. The best part about this process isthat they can be set up or changed quickly and easily by the therapist through the use of asingle switch.

EXAMPLES

TRANSFERS

HOW

WHY

Standing transfers:
Anterior tilt with a forward
back angle and the footplates
resting on the ground can beprogrammed for a safe starting position for standingtransfers.

The benefits of being able to individualize a person’s position when transferringcannot only increase function, but theirs
and their caregiver’s safety. The position
can be set up to maximize stability of thepelvis and/or trunk which will enable asafer and more functional transfer.

Sliding transfer:
Height and angle of the seatcan be programmed to matchthe height of the surface theclient is transferring to during
a sliding transfer.

Anterior tilt and elevate can help reduce
the load and force to the upper limbs
and shoulders enabling better sliding
transfers. The chair can be positioned sothat gravity is assisting in the transfer –making it easier and safer.
Individualized and functional setup oftransfers could also decrease the needfor care givers as safety and independence increases.
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Memory Seat Functions: (Continued)
EXAMPLESPRESSURE
RELIEFHOW

WHY

For an ideal pressure relief tooccur, research has shownthat the client must be in aposition greater than 25° oftilt and 120° recline for morethan 1 minute. Some studies
even suggest that up to 3
minutes is required every
30 minutes.

The combination of using both tilt andrecline has shown to reduce load andtherefore reduce the risk of pressure.
Research has however shown, thatclients often do not go into enough tilt
or recline to oﬄoad pressure. A pre-set
memory function can ensure power tilt
and recline are being utilized to thefull extent.

A clinically guided and individualized setup can help ensure clients are getting a true
oﬀ-load and pressure relief.

VAN ENTRYTOILETING

No seat elevation, some tilt
and legs in the home position can be programmed forvan access to enable eithera safe lift transfer or ramp
access.

A van entry position can be set to ensure
safe transitions in and out of transport vans.

A supine position can beachieved without transferring to a bed.

A supine position can be easily achieved tohelp clients maintain bladder and bowel
management plans. The ability to independently reposition themselves into a supineposition can increase independence of
catheter management, reducing care andother potential negative eﬀects of backflow
due to tilt. Recline with shear reduction also
contributes to the client maintaining theirpelvic and trunk position during the positionchange.

– Full recline– Elevated legs

Feet over heart
EDEMA
MANAGEMENT– Elevating legs
– Tilt– ReclineThe correct height and tilt position canbe set to ensure safe and functional vantransfers.

The lower limbs of clients who sit forlong periods of time are at an increased
risk of edema and skin breakdown. Elevating the legs above the heart increases
blood flow and arterio-venous pressure.

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Memory Seat Functions: (Continued)
EXAMPLESTONE & PAIN
MANAGEMENTEATING &DRINKINGDRIVINGPOSITION

HOW

WHY

Each position can be set up
to meet the needs of anindividual client.

Individual positions can be set to manage
fluctuations in tone and pain management
strategies. These can be set through discussions with the client and their treating
therapist based on theirindividual needs.

Each position would beindividually tailored andsetup; however, a closed
back- to-seat angle with noto some tilt could be set. A
supported lower leg position would also assist toprovide support for thesetasks.

The trunk and head position can be set up
as clinically required to ensure clients are
in an optimum position for eating anddrinking to minimize aspirating and assist
with digestion.

An outdoor driving position
may include:

The benefits of setting up an individual
drive position ensures that each client isseated in a comfortable and ergonomic
position, maximized for their upper limb
control, visual field and navigation in andaround diﬀerent environments. Seatedpositions can significantly diﬀer between
indoor and outdoor driving.

– Some tilt
– Legs in the home position– Back angle set for anindividual’s needs

References
1. Dicianno, B. E., Lieberman, J., Schmeler, M. R., Souza, A. E., Cooper, R., Lange, M.,...Jan, Y. (2015). Rehabilitation Engineeringand Assistive Technology Society of North America's Position on the Application of Tilt, Recline, and Elevating Legrests forWheelchairs Literature Update. Assistive Technology, 27(3), 193-198.
2. Jan, Y., Liao, F., Jones, M. A., Rice, L. A., & Tisdell, T. (2013). Eﬀects of Durations of Wheelchair Tilt-in-Space and Recline onSkin Perfusion Over the Ischial Tuberosity in People with Spinal Cord Injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
94(4), 667-672.
3. Titus, Laura C., "How power tilt is used in daily life to manage sitting pressure: Perspectives of adults who use power tilt
and therapists who prescribe this technology" (2013). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 1321.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/1321/

DISCLAIMER: FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY. THIS DOCUMENT (AND THE WEBSITE REFERENCED HEREIN) DO NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
Sunrise Medical (US) LLC does not provide clinician services. The information contained on this document (and the website referenced herein), including, but notlimited to, the text, graphics, images, and descriptions, are for informational purposes only and should be utilized as a general resource for clinicians and suppliersto then use clinical reasoning skills to determine optimal seating and mobility solutions for individual patients. No material on this document (or on the website) is
intended to be used as (or a substitute for) professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Clinicians should adhere to their professional medical training andtheir institutionʼs or practiceʼs recommended guidelines. Reliance on this document (and the information contained herein) is solely at your own risk.

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