WS-4-01-02
LISTEN TO THE EDITORS
Olle Hook (Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uppsala, University, Uppsala, Sweden)
Abstract: A historical background is given of scientific journals. The increase of new journals has been about 7%, i.e. doubling of the total number every 10-15 years. The influence of the enormous development of computerized networks is discussed, in regard to the development of electronic scientific journals.
The importance of impact factors is discussed in relation to scientific journals published in small countries such as the Nordic countries.
The need of publishing "cost-benefit analyses" has increased for all medical specialities, not least for rehabilitation medicine. Viewpoints are given on how to construct these.
Seminar-4-01-01
WHEELCHAIR SEATING: PRINCIPLES AND CLINICAL APPLICATION
J H. Herman (NeuroBiology Institute, Scottsdale, AZ, USA)
When seated, a person must have a stable postural base of support in order to perform effective upper extremity reaching, fine motor hand skills, head orientation, and eye-hand coordination. For a physically disabled person seated in a wheelchair, performing these skills accurately and precisely can make the difference between dependency and functional independence. Supportive seating equipment can also normalize muscle tone, reflexes, and movement patterns; reduce orthopedic deformity; prevent skin breakdown; enhance cardio-pulmonary and digestive function; and improve sitting tolerance, comfort, and self-image. Achieving these goals, however, requires the astute clinical application of therapeutic principles while selecting appropriate equipment parameters that will enhance each individual patient's unique neuro-motor presentation.
