The purpose of this case study was specifically intended to reinforce the necessity for proper positioning in the wheelchair using a spastic cerebral palsy patient as an example. The patient sat in the wheelchair with the pelvis sliding forward, uneven weight distribution on both hips, hip adduction, neck extension, and forward trunk bending. The abnormal posture observed was first corrected by seating the patient well back in the wheelchair with the patient's weight evenly distributed between both hips and with no observable pelvic obliquity. A seat belt, firm foot rest, abduction wedge, and special "H" chest strap were inserted to help the patient maintain the corrected posture. Points to consider when ordering a wheelchair and adaptive equipment are reviewed. The optimal sitting position and positioning objectives and considerations, as well as the selection process, are also presented. Inclusion of the patient and the caregivers in the selection and decision-making processes helps lead to successful results. A thorough assessment of the patient's prognosis and environment is important to prevent harmful, expensive, and disappointing results. On-going reviews of the patient and use of the equipment is helpful in preventing deformities and other problems. As is already known, increasing the patient's function and ability to move around and explore the environment can effect the patient's attitude as well as quality of life.

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