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Manual Mobility for Self-Propulsion

Manual Mobility for Self-Propulsion
Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
September 17, 2015
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Learning Objectives

Our learning objectives are for the participant to be able to list three categories of manual wheelchairs, to identify optimal manual wheelchair configuration for self-propulsion, and to describe optimal self-propulsion stroke to increase efficiency and decrease injury risk. 

Definition

A manual wheelchair is designed to provide either dependent or independent mobility to a client, as well as to support the seating system itself.  A wheelchair can provide mobility, but it is very important to remember that another primary goal of the manual wheelchair is to support the client in a seated position.  This means it is supporting some type of seating system, whether it is simply the sling seat that we see in this Figure 1 or if it is more advanced seating system.

 

Figure 1. Sling seating on a manual wheelchair.

Population

Mobility 

Manual wheelchairs can be used for clients who have no other means of mobility at all, either dependent mobility or independent mobility.  This person is unable to use any sort of independent ambulation, augmented mobility or other dependent mobility bases.  Manual wheelchairs are also used for clients who can ambulate.  A person may be able to ambulate only with a walking aid.  Even if they can ambulate, it might be that the client can only walk for short distances, with excessive effort, with excessive fatigue, or with a risk of falling.  It is easy to assume both from a funding standpoint and a clinical indicator standpoint that if someone can walk, even not very well or with augmented mobility, that they could never get a manual chair.  That is not the case.  Many of these people will use manual chairs, but perhaps only under certain circumstances like longer distances. 

Back-up Mobility Base

Manual wheelchairs are also used sometimes for clients who primarily use a power wheelchair for their independent mobility, but still need a backup mobility base.  There are times where, just like a car, the power wheelchair may not be functioning.  If that is the case and it is in the shop for new batteries or some other type of repair or growth modification, the client needs to have some sort of mobility base so that they have supportive seating. We want this person to have postural support in upright position.  If a manual chair is a backup to a power chair, it might be pushed by a caregiver.  

Accessibility

The manual chair can be used if an accessible vehicle is not available.  Power chairs do not fold up and go into the back of your compact car.  If the accessible vehicle is broken down, a manual chair can still allow the client to have mobility, even if it is to go to a doctor's appointment.  It can also be used if the eventual destination is not accessible. 

Let's say this little girl in Figure 2 has an accessible home, but she is going to visit grandma, and grandma's home is not accessible.  Getting a power wheelchair up grandma stairs is probably not realistic, but getting a manual chair up the stairs could be accomplished, even if it is not ideal. 

 

michelle lange

Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Michelle is an occupational therapist with 25 years of experience and former Clinical Director of The Assistive Technology Clinics of The Children’s Hospital of Denver. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally and has authored 7 book chapters and over 175 articles. She is the editor of Fundamentals in Assistive Technology, 4th ed. Michelle is on the teaching faculty of RESNA and the University of Pittsburgh. She is on the RERC on Wheeled Mobility Advisory Board. Michelle is a credentialed ATP, credentialed SMS and is a Senior Disability Analyst of the ABDA.



Related Courses

Sensory Technologies: Preparing for the ATP Exam
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #2630Level: Introductory1 Hour
The RESNA Assistive Technology Professional certification examination includes questions from a variety of content areas. One of those areas is Sensory Technologies. This module will cover the content area including technologies for people who are hard of hearing, deaf, have low vision, are blind or who are deaf blind.

A New Era: From EADLs to Alexa!
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #3699Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Electronic Aids to Daily Living provide an alternative means of controlling devices, primarily within the home environment, including audiovisual equipment, lighting, and thermostats. Advances in consumer home automation technologies have opened new control opportunities for people with disabilities. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

Dynamic Seating
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #3093Level: Intermediate1 Hour
Dynamic seating has four primary functions – to allow movement, to diffuse force, to protect the client, and to protect the seating system and mounting hardware. This course will take a look at the product options, discuss clinical indicators and contra-indicators for dynamic components and present case studies to illustrate these points.

Positioning the Head
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #3098Level: Intermediate2 Hours
This course will discuss various strategies to optimize head position. First, we will explore strategies beyond the head support, including specific positioning interventions and addressing visual issues. Second, we will explore posterior head supports in depth, matching specific features to client needs. Third, we will explore other options which may be required if posterior support alone is inadequate, including anterior head support.

Positioning the Pelvis
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Recorded Webinar
Course: #3157Level: Intermediate1 Hour
The position of the pelvis very much determines the position of the trunk and lower extremities and so achieving and maintaining the optimal position is critical. This course will present common pelvic asymmetries with suggested strategies to address each challenge. Providing as neutral a pelvic position as possible improves overall posture, stability and function.

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