A scoping review of research on postural care interventions and outcome measures, for protecting body structure and function, in non-ambulant children and young people with complex neurodisability

Abstract Introduction Children and young people with complex neurodisability or neuromuscular conditions who are non-ambulant are at significant risk of developing musculoskeletal compromise due to prolonged asymmetric postures. Postural care interventions such as positioning systems, seating, standing frames, and sleep systems aim to protect and maintain body shape. However, the evidence base describing the implementation, outcomes, and effectiveness of these interventions remains fragmented. Aim This scoping review will systematically map existing evidence on postural care policies, programmes, and therapy interventions designed to protect body shape in non-ambulant children and young people with complex neuro/neurodisability. The review will identify intervention types, outcome measures, definitions of success, and evidence gaps to inform best practice and future research. Method The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR reporting checklist. Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CENTRAL) will be searched for studies published from 2006 onwards. Grey literature and citation chaining will also be included. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full texts, and extract data using a standardised charting form. Findings will be synthesised descriptively and thematically and presented in tables, charts, and narrative form. Conclusions This scoping review will show the extent and scope of the literature on what postural care interventions are being used, what assessments are being used to guide intervention and what outcome measures are being used to provide data on impact of interventions.