ICCBH2019 Poster Presentations (1) (226 abstracts)
Developing a high chair to meet the needs of infants with Achondroplasia; a collaboration between Evelina London Children's Hospital and Brunel University
Jill Massey 1 , Kathryn Phillips 1 , Jack Lawrence 2 , Angharad Davies 2 , Laura Harris 1 , Alessandra Cocca 1 , Gabriella Spinelli 2 , Vanja Garaj 2 , Melita Irving 1 & Moira Cheung 1
1Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; 2Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK.
Achondroplasia is the commonest form of dwarfism. Key features in infancy impacting positioning are rhizomelia, spinal deformities and large head size. Both standard high chairs and specialized adaptive seating are currently inadequate to meet the needs of these infants. This is due to their anatomical limitations and the guidance for supportive positioning in this group of children, which recommend that a flat, elongated spine is optimal, avoiding a ‘C shape’, as is a 45 degree recline from upright when in a seated position (Shirley & Ain 2009). We present a unique and innovative collaboration between the Evelina London Children’s Hospital and the Brunel University Product Design degree programme, to develop a high chair to meet the specific needs of infants with achondroplasia.
Notable design features include:
• Adjustable seat depth (to accommodate rhizomelia)
• Recline adjustment up to 30–45 degrees from upright position (to follow spinal management recommendations)
• Headrest to be incorporated (to support head control)
It was considered important for the seating to be aesthetically pleasing and socially acceptable as a piece of furniture in the home. After initial development, the prototype was trialed with parents and infants in the multidisciplinary achondroplasia clinic and presented at the Restricted Growth Association (RGA) ‘Big Weekend’. Parent feedback has been sought at every stage, fundamentally influencing the design process. Parents reported positive aspects including the overall design concept and size. They also suggested improvements e.g. using a five-point harness and shoulder supports. Parent feedback from ‘road-testing’ has led to final modifications being made, such that commercial partners are being sought for further development. Whilst the high chair has been designed specifically for children with achondroplasia to provide seating for feeding, from weaning until approximately 2 years of age, it may also be utilised by children with other skeletal dysplasia conditions where seating options may be similarly limited.
Disclosure: The authors declared no competing interests.
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