PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH WHEELCHAIR SEATING DURING HORTICULTURAL THERAPY

In this study we investigated postural constraints of wheelchair users during horticultural therapy. Our goal was to identify the difficulties for wheelchair users while performing these activities as per the 2001 revision of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health guidelines. In our approach to horticultural therapy we attempt to include all five senses in the activities. However, this sense-based approach may have associated effects on the posture of the participants. We investigated the levelness and twist of the sacroiliac spine and found that none of our clients had ideal sitting posture during the activities. We attempted to identify precisely what would constitute appropriate posture for these persons given the range of movement necessary for horticultural therapy. We also confirmed that horticultural activities made a positive contribution to these client’s activities of daily living.