Pass OT-Neuro Conditions-Interventions- Wheelchair Types and Components

"Power wheelchair How it is used"

"The person uses a power control customized to their abilities to maneuver the wheelchair. -joystick -buttons -knob -head switch"

"Manual wheelchair How it is used"

"-The person pushes the wheelchair with their hands, feet or both. Another person may also push the wheelchair as the person rides. -Wheelchair brakes should be locked before the person transfers into or out of the wheelchair. This detail is very important for the patient’s safety and should always be taught first when educating a patient to use a wheelchair."

"Lightweight wheelchair How it is used"

"-The person transfers into the mode of transportation, then folds the wheel-chair and lifts it into the storage compartment or asks someone else to fold and store the wheelchair. -designed to fold for travel."

"Standing wheelchair How it is used"

"-The person uses the power controls to change the wheelchair from sitting to standing position."

"Power wheelchair Who would use it – diagnoses"

"Diagnoses that result in the person being too weak to propel a manual chair, yet having enough motor control to operate the power controls -spinal cord injury, any level -multiple sclerosis -amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) -muscular dystrophy -severe rheumatoid arthritis -cerebral palsy -systemic lupus erythematosus"

"Manual wheelchair Who would use it – diagnoses"

"Diagnoses where the person has enough upper body strength to push the wheelchair: -spinal cord injury, mid-thoracic, lumbar, sacral -CVA -multiple sclerosis -muscular dystrophy -arthritis -lower extremity amputations -other diagnoses affecting lower extremities Diagnoses where the person is unable to propel any type of wheelchair -severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy -severe brain injury -multiple congenital conditions -advanced Alzheimer’s disease"

"Lightweight wheelchair Who would use it – diagnoses"

"Diagnoses that allow the person to drive and/or travel frequently. -spinal cord injury -amputations -multiple sclerosis -arthritis -cerebral palsy -muscular dystrophy"

"Standing wheelchair Who would use it – diagnoses"

"Diagnoses that prevent the person from standing without total support. -cerebral palsy -spinal cord injury -multiple sclerosis -amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -muscular dystrophy"

"Power wheelchair Examples"

"A woman with advanced multiple sclerosis uses a power wheelchair with a knob style hand control to maneuver her power wheelchair through a shopping mall"

"Manual wheelchair Examples"

"A man with an L1-L2 spinal cord injury uses a manual racing wheelchair to compete in a Paralympic race."

"Lightweight wheelchair Examples"

"A man with a T9-T10 spinal cord injury folds and lifts his lightweight wheelchair into the back seat of his car after transferring to the driver’s seat."

"Standing wheelchair Examples"

"A woman with muscular dystrophy uses a standing wheelchair to stand and reach her kitchen cupboards so she can put away lightweight dishes."

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"Seat width"

"Measure the widest point across the hips and thighs and then add 2 inches."

"Seat depth"

"Measure from the posterior portion of the buttocks to the popliteal fossa and then subtract 2 inches. Measure both legs and take the greatest length."

"Back height"

"Measure from the seat surface (including the cushion) upward to one of the following, depending on trunk control, activity level, strength and size of the person: Mid back to 1-2 inches below the scapula.Mid scapula or axilla.Top of the shoulder."

"Seat height"

"Footrests should have 2 inches of clearance from the floor. Standard height = 19″- 20″ Hemi-height = 17.5″ Super-low = 14.5″ *The cushion selected for a wheelchair will affect this measurement."

"Armrest height"

"Shoulders should be neutral with arms hanging at the sides and elbows flexed to 90 degrees. –Armrests that are too low will encourage leaning forward. –Armrests that are too high will cause shoulder elevation."

"Hip replacement WC Adaptations"

"Reclining back, pommel cushion or hip abductor, pelvic positioning strap, elevating footrests."

"Spinal cord injury WC Adaptations"

"Contoured solid seat and back inserts, pelvic and lower extremity positioning straps, lateral supports, chest support, lateral head support, may need power wheelchair, may need adapted switches to operate a power wheelchair. May use a standing wheelchair."

"Spinal cord injury WC Adaptations"

"Contoured solid seat and back inserts, pelvic and lower extremity positioning straps, lateral supports, chest support, lateral head support, may need power wheelchair, may need adapted switches to operate a power wheelchair. May use a standing wheelchair."

"Spina bifida WC Adaptations"

"Manual or power wheelchair with an adapted back, pressure relief cushions."

"Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) WC Adaptations"

"Hemi-wheelchair with one arm drive, solid seat with gel for pressure relief, elevated armrest."