Wheelchair

* Maximize functional independence with activities of daily living
* Minimize the risk of secondary injuries
* Correct or accommodate for skeletal deformities

functions of wheelchairs and seating system.

* Wheel locks
* Pelvic positioners
* Caster wheels
* Drive (Push) Wheels
* Armrests
* Footplates
* Footrests
* Elevating Legrests
* Anti-tipping Devices

wheelchair components.

Wheel locks or Toggle Locks

\- stabilize the wheelchair after the wheelchair has been stopped

\- must be engaged whenever an individual is moving into or out of a wheelchair

\- must make contact with tires

\- are usually engaged by pushing a lever on each side of the chair

Pelvic Positioners

\- these are devices that stabilize a patient’s pelvis in the proper position while seated in a wheelchair - their purpose is to not to prevent patients from falling out of the chair

Lap and Chest Belts

provided to protect the patient who has inadequate balance or trunk stability.

Caster Wheels

\- these are the small front wheels of the wheelchair

\- there are two basic styles that are available

* *standard solid rubber and pneumatic/semi-pneumatic*
* *pneumatic tires are filled with air - provide shock absorption and a smoother ride*

\- usually 5-8 in diameter

Drive/Rear Wheels

\- are the large rear wheels and are used for propulsion (can also come in standard solid rubber or pneumatic)

\- have inner and outer rims

* *inner rim - are for mounting the tires*
* *outer rim - is used for propelling the rim*

\- can be reinforced by either a mag wheel or spoked wheel

Pneumatic Tires

have been modified to reduce the potential for flat tires.

Camber

\- is the angle of rear wheel tilt

\- advantages:

* brings wheels inward and closer to the body, which enables the arms to access more of the pushrim
* reduces shoulder abduction because the wheels are closer to the body
* increases lateral stability

\- disadvantages:

* wider wheelchair, which can be problematic in tight areas
* diminished traction and uneven tire wear on a conventional tire

Armrests

\- are either full length, desk length, or standard

\- fixed or removal/reversible armrest

\- desk or cut-out/full length

Front Rigging

\- it consists of a foot plate attached to either a foot rest or an elevating leg rest

\- provides support for the lower extremities

Foot Rest

front rigging with a footplate.

Leg Rest

front rigging with a footplate and a calf pad support.

Footplates

\- this is where the patient’s feet rest on these

\- are available in several sizes to accommodate to the patient’s foot

Heel Loops

prevent the heels from sliding off the footplates

Elevating Legrests

\- these are necessary when the patient is unable to bend their knees

\- a calf pad support provides a cushion for the calf and support for the leg

\- is adjustable - by releasing a lock

Anti tipping Device

these are small extensions which are attached to the horizontal support bar which prevent accidental backward tipping of the wheelchair

Folding Wheelchair

\- wheelchairs that can be folded or collapsed for storage or transport use a similar method for folding

\- can be folded by a special strap, the chairs cannot be folded by the material of the seats because it will cause the material to tear and break.

Standard Wheelchair

\- is durable and is the standard for facility use

\- these are available in several sizes to fit patients from children to adults

\- usually designed for persons weighing less than 200lbs

Fixed Frame

\- frame is solid and can not be folded

\- the front rigging is part of the frame and cannot be removed

\- reduced shock absorption because the frame in unitized design is rigid

Heavy Duty

constructed for persons weighing more than 200 lbs or for those who perform vigorous activities

Reclining Back Wheelchair

\- are for those patients that are unable to sit erect

\- head support is also required when the back is reclined

\- takes much more space

\- there is a lock, and adjusting the angle of the back

\- complete reclining or partial reclining 

Tilt in Space Wheelchair

\- it has a fixed seat to back angle even when reclined

\- permits changes of orientation for pressure relief maintaining the postural control

One Arm Drive Wheelchair

are made for patients with one functional upper extremity.

Amputee Wheelchair

\- have the drive wheels behind the vertical back supports

\- if the wheelchair’s base of support is not moved posteriorly with respect to the individual, the wheelchair will be less stable and might trip backwards.

Companion Wheelchair

\- also called a travel chair

\- has light weight components

Motorized Wheelchairs and Scooters

\- this is for individuals with limited functional ability.

\- some of these wheelchairs have the capability to use a power mechanism to recline the back of the wheelchair, which permits the patient to change position for different kinds of activities

Rear Wheel Drive

is characterized by large drive wheels in the rear and small pivoting casters in the front.

Front Wheel Drive

\- features large drive wheels in the front and small pivoting casters in the rear

\- has the best capability to climb forward over small obstacles

\- a tendency for the rear wheel to wander sideward (fishtailing).

Mid Wheel Drive

the drive wheels are located near the center of the power wheelchair, allowing the user to seemingly turn on center, dramatically increasing indoor maneuverability.

Proportional Control and Switch Control Joysticks

Sip and Puff

\- allows control of the wheelchair by sipping (breathing in) and puffing (breathing out) on a straw located near the mouth. \n - generally a user will sip a specific number of times to indicate a direction, and puff to confirm the choice and activate the movement of the wheelchair.

Head Array

\- usually has a three piece headrest (two side pads and one center) with proximity switches built into each pad - by being in proximity to the switch embedded in the pad, the client moves the wheelchair in the desired direction.

Voice Activated

\- a throat microphone picks up the vibration of the vocal cords when the user speaks the commands

\- in some cases a headset microphone can also be used

Sports Wheelchairs

\- used for sporting activities

\- key feature includes:

* *low back rests*
* *canted rear wheels*
* *small handrims*
* *adjustable axles*