Wheelchair Selection Research Articles

Wheelchair Selection and Configuration

Wheelchair Selection and Configuration

Wheelchair Selection and Configuration

Wheelchair Selection and Configuration

Wheelchair Selection and Training: Teaching and Guiding Practitioners and Consumers

Wheelchair Selection and Training: Teaching and Guiding Practitioners and Consumers

BOOK REVIEW: "Wheelchair Selection and Configuration", Rory A. Cooper (ed)

BOOK REVIEW: "Wheelchair Selection and Configuration", Rory A. Cooper (ed)

Engineering manual and electric powered wheelchairs.

The sophistication required to develop and properly configure a wheelchair is illustrated by the amount and complexity of the research being conducted. At this time there appears to be between 1.5 and 2.0 million full-time wheelchair users within the United States. The reliance of the user on the wheelchair and the amount of time in the wheelchair provide significant challenges for the wheelchair design engineer. Currently there are a wide variety of wheelchair designs that are commercially available. These wheelchairs accommodate a variety of people's needs, and represent significant progress. The current trend among manufacturers of manual wheelchairs seems to be cost-reduction engineering. The ergonomics of long-term wheelchair use are critical to the advancement of wheelchair design and to the clinical selection of wheelchairs. Electric powered wheelchairs appear to be progressing faster than nearly all other types of wheelchairs. This is due to the availability of computing power with low cost microcontrollers and associated peripherals. The greater range and availability of sensors are also making changes into the design of electric powered wheelchairs. The interaction between an electric powered wheelchair and the user can be extremely complex. In many cases, individual solutions are necessary. One of the more challenging questions is determining the abilities of the user required to drive an electric powered wheelchair effectively. There have been substantial improvements in the engineering of all wheelchairs. However, there remain significant issues to be addressed.

Book Review: Wheelchair Selection Manual: The Effects of Components on Manual Wheelchair Performance

Book Review: Wheelchair Selection Manual: The Effects of Components on Manual Wheelchair Performance

Wheelchair selection.

Selection of an appropriate wheelchair is an essential part of discharge planning. Although the physical therapist plays the primary role in wheelchair recommendations, all those involved in patient care need to have a basic understanding of factors that are considered. This article discusses these factors, which include patient diagnosis, prognosis, medical status, functional status, mental status, environment, and funding. It also emphasizes that the decision-making process is a team effort and that the patient and his/her family are key members of that team. Basic terminology, wheelchair components, and available options for wheelchairs and wheelchair cushions are addressed.

Anthropometric data of children for non-specialist users

In a pilot study, 33 anthropometric variables were measured on 633 children aged 0-5.5 years. The variables where chosen on the basis of international standards and on the results of preliminary analysis of accidents. Methodical aspects of this pilot study are presented in this paper, followed by two applications: anthropometric aspects of current regulations for cribs, playpens and toys; anthropometric aspects in the selection of wheelchairs for children. The paper concludes with a discussion on how to present anthropometric data for non-special users.

Wheelchair selection from a nursing perspective.

Wheelchair selection from a nursing perspective.

A validity study of guidelines for wheelchair selection.

There is a risk that the inappropriate provision of wheelchairs is counter-productive to therapeutic goals. Guidelines for Wheelchair Selection for an Elderly Population were developed to define: a) whether a wheelchair is needed, and if so, whether it is required on a full or part-time basis, and b) which option will best promote the functional independence and comfort of the individual. A multidisciplinary study with a random sample of wheelchair user and non-user subjects established a high degree of reliability, validity and practical utility for these Guidelines for Wheelchair Selection.

Book Review: Guidelines for Wheelchair Selection for an Elderly Population

Book Review: Guidelines for Wheelchair Selection for an Elderly Population

Wheelchair Design for People with Neuromuscular Disability

The observation that wheelchairs often failed to provide the mobility and support needed by patients with neuromuscular disability facilitated this study. Three groups of subjects with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and muscular dystrophy were examined to determine their various disabilities and anthropometric measurement. These were then compared with wheelchair dimensions in an endeavour to determine whether the problem was wheelchair design or poor prescription. An evaluation of wheelchair use was also included. Results showed that several wheelchair dimensions including seat depth, arm rest height, backrest height and lack of contour support failed to match the sample population, indicating the need for greater care in selection of wheelchairs for patients with neuromuscular disabilities in addition to the need for design revision.

D.H.S.S. Wheelchair Selection Training Package

Available from N.H.S. Regional Education and Training Officers, or it can be purchased for £36 per kit, from N.H.S. Training Aids Centre, Hydestile Hospital, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4DQ. The video tapes do not form part of the basic package, but the Centre will be happy to quote for supply of copies in any of the usual formats (VHS, PHILLIPS, V-Matic).

Wheelchair Choice or the Biomechanics of Wheelchair Selection

Wheelchair Choice <i>or the Biomechanics of Wheelchair Selection</i>

Wheelchair Selection Matters

Wheelchair Selection Matters

Wheelchair Selection: More Than Choosing a Chair with Wheels.

Wheelchair Selection: More Than Choosing a Chair with Wheels.

Selection of Wheel Chairs: Consideration of Specific Disabilities

Selection of Wheel Chairs: Consideration of Specific Disabilities

Self-help devices: selection of wheel chairs. General considerations.

Self-help devices: selection of wheel chairs. General considerations.

Self-help devices. Selection of wheel chairs: accessories.

Self-help devices. Selection of wheel chairs: accessories.

Self-help devices: selection of wheel chairs. Modifications based on disability.

Self-help devices: selection of wheel chairs. Modifications based on disability.