What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Features of high back manual wheelchair

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Wheelchairs serve as an extension of the human body, enabling users to regain their independence and move wherever they desire. This highlights the importance of selecting the right high-back wheelchair.

Contrary to popular belief, wheelchairs aren't only for those with permanent conditions. Modern wheelchairs accommodate temporary needs as well and are now available in various styles to meet diverse user requirements.

Whether a wheelchair is needed for a few weeks or an entire lifetime, maintaining mobility is essential for the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the user. Advances in technology and favorable funding policies have revolutionized today's wheelchair models, making them more user-friendly, versatile, and customizable than ever before.

In manual wheelchairs, several components influence user comfort significantly. One of the crucial aspects is the backrest. A good reclining back promotes relaxation, but even its effectiveness hinges on one main factor: height.

Manufacturers produce wheelchair backs in various heights to cater to individual needs. These heights range from low to high, allowing for tailored seating arrangements.

Impact of Backrest Height on Wheelchair Functionality

Thanks to manufacturing innovations, wheelchair back heights are now more distinct than ever. Taller backs provide more support but restrict upper body and trunk movement, making self-propulsion challenging.

Clinicians recommend backrest heights based on the severity of the support a client requires. For instance, users with low-thoracic spinal cord injuries typically require low-back wheelchairs to support their lumbar spine, facilitating upper-extremity motion and trunk rotation.

High-back wheelchairs offer intensive support, suitable for clients with severe conditions like tetraplegia. These wheelchairs are often recommended for users who require recline or tilt positions to maintain proper support.

Mid-range backs provide extra postural support without significantly hindering upper-extremity function. Typically, they extend up to the client's lower scapula region, accommodating additional lateral trunk support for steadiness during motion.

Additional Factors Influencing Backrest Height Choices

In addition to functional and clinical factors, several other considerations determine backrest height choices for wheelchairs:

Transportation Needs:

A wheelchair's backrest height may need to accommodate restraints like chest harnesses for safe automotive transportation. Providers should gather information on clients' transportation expectations during seating evaluations to match safety policies.

Weight Considerations:

To maintain lightweight configurations, automotive wheelchair users should eliminate unnecessary components. Different backrest elements affect the overall chair weight and need to be considered while selecting the appropriate back height.

Lifestyle Compatibility:

The wheelchair must complement the client's lifestyle. The chosen backrest should not hinder daily activities, ensuring users are comfortable and likely to spend adequate time in the system for optimal functionality.

Providers should explain the pros and cons of the chosen backrest and address any concerns clients may have, fostering a sense of empathy and encouraging open communication.

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If clients are worried about performing regular activities, providers can brainstorm solutions that allow clients to function well while meeting clinical needs.

The evolving wheelchair system's biggest advantage is its customizability, offering more options than ever before for devising unique and clinically beneficial systems.

Conclusion

We hope you found our article on choosing the right high back wheelchair helpful. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to see more articles like this.

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For additional articles, our staff compiled a list of insightful reads like "Key Measurements to Determine the Best Wheelchair Fit" and "3 Tips for Choosing Better Wheelchair Wheels."

Feel free to contact me at kellon@electricwheelchairsusa.com with any questions or comments. At Electric Wheelchairs USA, we strive to help our customers make the best choice for their needs, whether it's a power chair, mobility scooter, or lift chair.

Recline

A reclining wheelchair features a backrest that can tilt from near-vertical (90 degrees) to almost horizontal. Reclining changes the user's hip position from sitting to a lying-down posture.

By contrast, a tilting wheelchair has a seat that tilts backward to varying degrees. This motion doesn't change the hip angle but maintains the same seating position while tilting backward, making it ideal for children or the elderly needing relief and security.

Comparing Tilt and Recline Wheelchairs

I strongly favor tilting wheelchairs over recliners, although each type serves a specific purpose with factors that make recliners more suitable for some users.

Features of Recliners

• Commonly used by catheter users who need to adjust while seated.
• Usually more affordable than tilt wheelchairs.
• Typically foldable for storage and transport.
• Commonly used for vehicle transportation where headroom is limited.

Key Considerations for Reclining Wheelchairs

When partially reclined, users may slide forward, a movement restricted by seating but can cause painful shearing and eventual skin deterioration. Additionally, reclination causes the user's back to slip down the upholstery, presenting two issues:

1. Molded or contoured backrests cannot be used, as users continuously move out of position.
2. Returning to an upright position causes shearing as gravity pulls the user's back down.
3. Orders for elevated leg rests increase costs and weight, as many users find reclining painful without leg elevation.
4. Recliners are typically heavy and difficult to self-propel.
5. Manual recliners require caregiver assistance (high-quality power wheelchairs allow users independent control).

Features of Tilt Wheelchairs

• Assists in positioning and posture control for children and adults.
• Alters pressure points to reduce the risk of pressure sores with frequent adjustments.
• Facilitates proper positioning when lifts are used for transfers.
• Compatible with custom seating systems and commercial seating components.
• Improves visibility for users with kyphosis by repositioning them.
• Extends time spent in the chair with frequent tilt adjustments.
• Tilts backward for easier car access through short entrances.
• Tilts entirely backward for relaxation or sleeping.

Drawbacks of Tilt Wheelchairs

• Except for small pediatric types, tilt wheelchairs don't fold, requiring careful transport and storage planning.
• Due to their weight, they are not easy to self-propel and are not suited for independent mobility.
• Manual tilting wheelchairs require caregiver assistance (high-quality power options enable user-independent tilt control).

Conclusion

While recliners are widely available, they are less frequently chosen by wheelchair users today. Tilt wheelchairs offer numerous advantages with minimal drawbacks and some additional benefits compared to recliners.

Both tilt and recline wheelchairs cater to users with complex needs beyond those of typical wheelchair users.

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