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Maintain Neutral Pelvic Position

Anti-Thrust Helps Prevent Forward Sliding

anti-thrust cushion

Anti-Thrust Positioning Cushions have a higher front surface and a lower rear surface to help prevent forward sliding in the wheelchair. The sloped region between the front and rear surfaces is positioned in front of the ischial tuberosities to keep the pelvis in a neutral position and help support upright sitting. Anti-thrust protection can be helpful when extensor tone is present. Anti-thrust cushions offer a comfortable slide-control alternative to pommel cushions, especially for male patients.

AliMed Anti-Thrust Seat Base Flat Base models can be used on any flat chair surface, on top of a solid seat insert, or on a wheelchair board. Convex Base models are intended for use with sling-seat wheelchairs.

Construction Anti-thrust cushions are available in a variety of materials to meet specific needs. Choose a firm or high-density foam for greater stability, a softer foam for great conformity, or a temper foam for pressure redistribution. Gel-topped models feature additional comfort and protection. The aqueous (water -based) cushion delivers cooling comfort, and the premium polymer gel (like T-Gel) minimizes friction and shear forces for maximum skin protection. In addition, most anti-thrust cushions have nonslip bottoms and/or rear safety ties to help hold the cushion in position.

Avoid Sacral Sitting with Wedge Cushions

Wedge cushions are used to help prevent a wheelchair user from sliding forward in the chair (sacral sitting). The risks associated with sacral sitting include skin breakdown at the coccyx and thoracic regions, falls from the wheelchair, poor sitting tolerance, and loss of functional abilities, A wedge cushion helps by positioning the pelvis in an anterior tilt with the knees slightly higher than the hips. This improved sitting posture decreases pressure on the sacrum and coccyx, and encourages improved breathing, better head control, and better positioning for self-feeding. Wedge cushions can also be used to keep users' hips properly positioned at 90° when seated in a reclined position.

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Disclaimer

AliMed, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of medical supply products, and is not a medical authority. The contents contained in this article, including text, graphics, imagery, and other materials, are for informational and educational purposes only. AliMed does not provide or intend to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and the information contained here should not be treated as such. If you have questions about a specific medical condition or specific personal use of a medical device, always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

This blog was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Although every effort has been made to present information that is accurate and true to the best of our knowledge, this content may contain omissions or errors. AliMed does not regularly update information or resources for this content and does not guarantee, make any warranties, and accepts no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented.