From assessment to prescription: Maximizing seated postural control and wheeled mobility
Presenter(s)
Sheila Buck, OT Reg. (Ont.)
November 21 - December 4, 2025 (on your own) | December 5 & 12, 2025 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. (ET). Seating for older adults is critical to prevent injury and enhance function. A MAT assessment allows therapists to understand the older adult’s postural tendencies and to build a prescription that will correct and prevent asymmetrical tendencies, improve comfort and, when possible, enhance the mobility of the client. By understanding the physics of seating and mobility, occupational therapists can prescribe appropriate seating and mobility systems for older adults that facilitate autonomy, safety, restraint reduction, independence, and participation in meaningful occupations. …not despite, but because of their age! This online workshop will explore how seated posture affects pain and the overall capacity of older adults to participate more fully and more comfortably in meaningful occupations. A prerecorded lecture of a MAT assessment will provide participants an overview of how to complete a MAT assessment and how to recognize asymmetrical postural tendencies. During the synchronous workshop, the presenter will build on this lecture to help participants understand postural tendencies, three-point positioning, and postural/product simulation. The presenter will review how posterior pelvic and posterior lateral rib cage support assist with thoracic extension for improved posture, breathing, and eating. Participants will be guided through body mechanics and pain/pressure points to understand how seating can make a difference in comfort, pain reduction, and head position to enhance swallowing. Pain references, body shape, muscle tone, asymmetries, and skin integrity will be addressed. Participants will understand and ultimately be able to suggest appropriate propulsion styles (two-hand, two-feet, one-hand/one-foot) theories in their own clinic settings. The impact of wheelchair set up on sliding and restraint use will also be reviewed.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: Be able to do a MAT assessment in your own clinical setting. Understand how postural tendencies affect breathing, swallowing, head position and bowel evacuation. Understand postural tendencies in older adults. Conceptualize how to enhance comfort sitting. Be able to demonstrate three-point positioning and forces related to seated posture. Understand the use of secondary supports and tilt. Understand the physics of hand propulsion in older adults. Be able to identify the three methods of foot propulsion in older adults. Be able to review restraint policies and how seating is affected by these policies in order to gain restraint-free positioning. Target audience: Occupational therapist clinicians, occupational therapist assistants (OTAs), students in occupational therapy programs and physiotherapists who wish to develop their skills in optimal seating and mobility to facilitate the occupational participation of older adults. Please note: Participants who previously attended the workshop “Seated posture, pain reduction, and mobility for older adults: Stop the migration!” will find that the content has been updated with additional case studies to allow participants to apply the information learned to case studies. Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.
Client age group: Older adults (65+ years old) | Areas of practice: Acute Care, Assistive Technology, Brain Injury/Concussion/Spinal Cord, Cardio-Respiratory Care, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Dysphagia & Digestive Disorders, Equipment Assessments, Generalist, MSK Rehabilitation, MVA Rehabilitation, Neurology, Older Adults, Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) | Workshop level: Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this area of practice)