Wheelchair

Question 1

ATP

Answer 1

Assistive technology professional

Question 2

What is the role of an assistive technology professional?

Answer 2

Analyze the needs of consumers with disabilities, assist in recommendation and selection of assistive technology for the customers needs, and provide training in use of selective devices, provide follow up care and maintenance of DME.

Question 3

What is a CRTS?

Answer 3

Rehabilitation technology supplier certified through National Registry of rehabilitation technology suppliers. Requires experience, training, and continuing education. CRTS is an expert in adaptive seating and positioning.

Question 4

What is the role of PT/OT in wheelchair fitting?

Answer 4

Specialize in the patient, assessing function and positioning

Question 5

What is the role of the CRTS in wheelchair fitting?

Answer 5

Equipment

Question 6

What are payment sources for wheelchairs?

Answer 6

Self pay, medicare, medicaid, private insurance

Question 7

Recommendations for wheelchair require…

Answer 7

Prescription, doctor’s note, eval, proof of funding

Question 8

Current requirements for wheelchair stipulate that a pt must have

Answer 8

specialty eval performed by a licensed/certified medical professional who has training in rehab WC evals and document the necessity for the WC and its features.

Question 9

A wheelchair eval involves…

Answer 9

technical knowledge of the client function and equipment

Question 10

Considerations for wheelchairs

Answer 10

Wheelchairs are designed to encourage mobility not restrain. Use as restraint can be dangerous, causing wear and tear.
Safety: a client may be able to manage a mwc/pwc but do they do it safely?
Posture/positioning: when to make corrections or when to give accommodations

Question 11

Common postural issues with wheelchairs

Answer 11

Tight hamstrings
Tone
Lateral spinal curve: Mwc seating can support optimal positioning for upright posture, not a orthosis
Use of feet to self-propel

Question 12

Basic fit of wheelchair

Answer 12

Seat provides full support of thighs
Footplates low enough to position knees level with pelvis
Back height: tall enough to support, low enough not to limit BUE movement for self propulsion

Question 13

Dx to qualify for complex rehab power wheelchair

Answer 13

ALS
Arthrogryposis
CP
CVA
MS
Muscular Dystrophy Osteogenesis Imperfecta Paraplegia
Parkinson’s disease
Polio/ Post-polio syndrome Quadriplegia
Spina bifida
Spinal muscular atrophy TBI

Question 14

WC measurements

Answer 14

1. Distribute the weight over the widest possible surface
2. Keep the chair as narrow as possible
3. Width
   - measure the widest parts (hips or thighs) and add 2 inches
4. Seat depth
   - base of back/butt to inside of bent knee, minus 1-2 inches for clearance
5. Floor to seat
   - thigh to bottom of heal
   - foot plates need to clear by 2 inches
6. Back height
   - lumbar for sport
   - inferior scapula for free arm movement
   - top of hear for recline/tilt