Mod 3 - Comprehensive Wheelchair Prescription Overview

Aug 11, 2024

Wheelchair Prescription Lecture Notes

Types of Wheelchairs

  1. Manual Wheelchairs

    • Standard Manual Wheelchair: Collapsible, larger wheels, commonly seen.
    • Lightweight Wheelchair: Easier for self-transport, ideal for frequent movement.
    • Sport Wheelchair: Customizable, designed to fit personal needs and physical conditions.
  2. Power Wheelchairs

    • Allows tilt and recline functions.
    • Needs to fit client's unique needs (physical, psychological, and financial).
  3. Other Terms

    • Attendant Propel: Requires someone to push the wheelchair.
    • Self-Propel: The user propels the wheelchair themselves.
    • Scooter: A type of wheelchair under the power category.

Considerations for Wheelchair Prescription

  • Holistic View of Client: Physical, psychological conditions, ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), societal situation, and affordability.
  • Customization: Based on daily occupation needs, desired activities, and high-tech features versus affordability.
  • Interface & Systems: High-tech wheelchairs may require specific interfaces.

Wheelchair Design Principles

  1. Head Support

    • Important for those with head control difficulties.
    • Placed at the base of the skull.
  2. Shoulder and Back Support

    • Should not interfere with arm movements.
    • Height of back support depends on individual needs.
  3. Lateral Support and Armrests

    • Provides stability and support.
  4. Seating Position

    • Neutral Sitting Position: 90° at hip, knee, and ankle (90-90-90 rule).
    • Tilt and Recline Feature: Allows the user to rest and prevents falling forward.
  5. Footrest Height and Pressure Management

    • Proper height to manage foot pressure.
    • Consider pressure distribution from prolonged sitting.

Pressure and Seat System

  • Importance of calculating body pressure distribution on the back and seat.
  • Ongoing research and development in seating systems by rehabilitation engineers.

Future Learning

  • More detailed learning on wheelchair selection and seating systems will be covered in the spring.