Enhancing Rigidity in Folding Wheelchairs The Clinical Corner article, Manual Mobility: The Basics, describes the different categories of manual wheelchairs, known generically as transport, standard, folding, rigid and tilt-in-space. It was noted that the more rigid the wheelchair, the easier it is to propel the chair as rigidity decreases flex in the frame of the chair. The ideal is that all of the energy of propulsion is translated into movement as any frame flex is lost movement. The more rigid the wheelchair, the more efficient the propulsion can be. 2017-04-25 Keep Reading
Taking a Second Look In September of 2015, I wrote an article for Clinical Corner, entitled "Best Practices in Seating and Mobility Assessments". As outlined in that article, the following concepts were found to be necessary for best practices in seating and mobility assessments: experience, hands-on techniques, skills, technology, resources, self-directed learning, follow-up, and consumer relationships.1 The article expanded on each of the concepts. This month, let's take a second look at some of the best practices in seating and mobility assessments, specifically technology and resources. Let's also consider why we should take a second look at products and technology. 2017-03-21 Keep Reading
Putting Evidence into Practice for Power Positioning Last month's Clinical Corner article addressed The Evidence on Tilt, Recline and Elevating Leg Supports. The article reviewed the clinical benefits of tilt, recline and elevating leg supports and summarized the research findings with respect to angles required for redistributing and relieving pressure through tilt and/or recline. This month, let's look at the practical application of power positioning. For what reasons do individuals use their power positioning features? How often are individuals completing pressure relieving movements through power positioning? How can technology assist individuals with pressure management? 2017-02-28 Keep Reading
The Evidence on Tilt, Recline and Elevating Leg Supports Past Clinical Corner articles have addressed Dynamic Tilt and Pressure Distribution and Weight Shifting and Pressure Management. The article, Dynamic Tilt and Pressure Redistribution from October 2012, addressed clinical indications for tilt-in-space wheelchairs and the research related to dynamic tilt and pressure redistribution. The article, Weight Shifting and Pressure Management 2.0 from February 2016, addressed recommendations on duration and frequency of repositioning for pressure ulcer prevention based on clinical practice guidelines. 2017-01-24 Keep Reading
Steer Correction for Power Mobility Have you ever driven your vehicle and felt like you had to correct the steering to continue to go in the direction you intended? Most likely, the answer is yes. This may have occurred if you drove over a bumpy dirt road or other rough terrain. It may have occurred if two wheels were on one surface, such as a road, and the other two wheels were on another surface, such as a soft shoulder, or when there was a transition between two surfaces. Drivers of power wheelchairs also may experience circumstances when correction of the steering is required. This month, Clinical Corner will focus on technical solutions to address steer correction in power mobility. 2016-12-20 Keep Reading
