***WHEELCHAIR & SEATING PRINCIPLES

Question 1

What principles are our GOAL for promoting function for wheelchair users?

Answer 1

• Appropriate fit
• Pelvic & trunk stability
• Independent propelling
• Supportive & comfortable seating
• Independent transfers

Question 2

What is a ‘Hemi-height’ wheelchair?

Answer 2

A low weight chair to be able to dig heels into floor for foot propelling

Question 3

What is the biggest hazard in wheelchair mobility?

Answer 3

Footplates

Client forgets to swing them away or doesn’t properly

Question 4

How do we propel a client in a wheelchair UP a curb?

Answer 4

1. Tip chair so client is further in it

2. Turn backwards & pull them up the curb

Question 5

What abilities does the client need to have for independent wheelchair propelling?

Answer 5

• Adequate physical capability
• Vision
• Cardio-respiratory capacity
• Limb strength, Coordination, & ROM
• Sitting balance/tolerance
• Adequate cognitive-perceptual ability
• Proper positioning
• Proper fitting equipment

Question 6

When would a reclining wheelchair frame be used?

Answer 6

If client’s hips cannot tolerate 90 degrees

Takes weight off ishials& thighs, and shifts it to lower back & scapula

Question 7

How does the size of the castors (wheels) effect wheelchair propulsion?

Answer 7

SMALL CASTORS:
Great for indoors
Better cornering & maneuverability

LARGE CASTORS:
Great for outdoors
Wider turning radius & harder to maneuver

Question 8

When would you use pneumatic tires on a wheelchair?

Answer 8

For a client that is using the chair for outside

Good for rural areas, gravel, & absorb shock

Question 9

When would you use a ‘Tilt-in-space’ wheelchair?

Answer 9

For pressure relief & increased blood flow

Easier for transfers as it can be tilted back to upright position