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.