Sitting can be a permanent strain on the body. The ever-constant fight against gravity can cause a plethora of negative impacts if not accommodated correctly. Whilst able-bodied people have the benefit of being able to stand up, stretch and have a walk around in order to repair the temporary damage done by bad posture, many people with physical impairments do not have this luxury. This is why it is imperative to ensure that people with physical impairments are seated in products that protect, and if possible, improve their condition. Mercado Medic manufacture bespoke seating in the format of both powered and manual chairs. Toby Laughlin, a company representative, has broken down what bespoke seating is and how it can
help people in the home, school and workplace.

What is bespoke seating?

Bespoke seating is all about building a chair that meets the exact needs of the person using it, and allows them to do the tasks that they otherwise may struggle with. When it comes to physical disabilities, mass produced standard seating can often result in conditions getting worse, through added impairments such as posterior tilt, obliquity and pelvic rotation.

Mercado Medic builds their chairs on a modular system, which can be described as the chair-building equivalent of Lego. Every element of the chairs can be chopped, changed and customised, meaning there are hundreds of thousands of combinations available to make sure that the chair is exactly right for the user. Moreover, if a user has a third party seat or backrest that they know works for them already, for example V-Trak, Versa, Roho, and other custom made moulds, these can be implemented into the modular system. Ultimately, the modular system
provides a holistic solution to each part of the user's needs.

Figure 1. Sample of various bespoke seats from Mercado Medic

What are the benefits of a modular seat system?

Although making a comfortable chair which aids postural management is fantastic, the benefits of the modular system goes far beyond just accommodating a person. The paramount for people with physical impairments is independence. What
independence means to someone is dependent on their condition, and what they can achieve within the limits of their ability. This differs from person to person, for some, independence could be standing up and walking twice a day, whereas for
others, it could be making a cup of coffee without assistance. No matter what the goal is, the modular system can help them achieve this, without paying for the things that they don’t need.

Furthermore, there are many people who have conditions that are progressive. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), for example. When purchasing a chair, it is always important to consider what your needs will be a few years down the line, in addition to the moment of purchase. With chairs that have a modular system, like the Mercado Medic seating range, the chair can be adapted as the condition changes,
meaning there is no need for the repurchasing of a whole chair.

What can a bespoke chair do to optimise independence?

This depends firstly on where it will be used. Listed below, using the Mercado Medic ‘REAL 9100 Plus’ and ‘REAL 6100 Plus’ as examples, are many of the different ways that modular seating can be used to enhance independence in the three main indoor environments: Home, school and work.

Figures 2 & 3. Examples of Mercado Medic REAL 9100 Plus and REAL 6100 Plus

• Safety brake to make sure the chair is stopped dead whilst performing an action.
• Electric seat riser to access different workstations and counters
• Electric tilt to aid standing, perching and to be used to adjust posture
• Easy rolling castors making it less taxing to self propel
• Ergonomic pressure relieving seat and backrest made to measure for bespoke comfort
• Easy to change the chair if the condition changes
• Compact frame, allowing for use in tight spaces and bathrooms
• Retractable arms, allowing for an easy transfer

Home

People use Mercado Medic chairs at home for a multitude of things, examples include: cooking, cleaning, eating, working from home, getting dressed, transferring to the toilet, gaming and many more. Comments from customers usually describe how much peace of mind it gives them, as on good days it can aid them to do tasks independently, and on worse days, it can keep them safe, prevent falling and keep them comfortable.

Figure 4. Mercado Medic REAL 6100 Plus being used to work from home

School

Mercado Medic chairs are often used in schools, as they are inclusive of all students, no matter what conditions they may have. The rise and tilt functions mean that physically impaired students can reach up to higher work tops such as science desks. It also means that they can be at eye level with fellow students and have conversations without the neck strain of constantly having to look up. If the student is still growing, the chair can be adapted as necessary simply by installing a bigger seat and backrest, as well as any extras they may need as they get older (such as
head rests, trunk supports and footplates).

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