Pelvic Belt
A positioning strap worn across the pelvis and secured to a wheelchair or seating system to maintain pelvic position and prevent forward sliding.
Full Definition
A pelvic belt (also called a lap belt or positioning belt) is a standard postural support component in wheelchair seating. It is distinguished from a seatbelt in that its primary function is postural—maintaining the pelvis in a neutral or anteriorly tilted position—rather than purely safety-related. In rehab technology documentation, editors encounter pelvic belts in seating assessment reports, equipment specifications, and funding letters. The angle and point of attachment to the wheelchair frame are clinically significant and should be preserved precisely in clinical documents. Editors should not substitute 'lap belt' or 'seatbelt' without clinical confirmation, as these terms imply different mounting configurations and clinical intent.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'seatbelt' and 'pelvic belt' interchangeably; specify attachment angle and position in clinical documents to ensure manufacturing accuracy.
In Context
- "A padded pelvic belt at 45° to the seat surface was specified to manage the client's tendency to slide forward during transport." — Seating prescription document
- "The clinical note used 'seatbelt' and 'pelvic belt' interchangeably—the editor queried the author to confirm the mounting angle and clinical intent." — Clinical record editorial review