Lecture on basics

1. CHAPTER II.
WHEEL-CHAIR

2. Desired Learning Outcomes
At the end of the session, the students must have:
1. Identify the types and parts of a wheelchair
2. Discuss the proper fitting and confirmation of wheelchair

3. Wheelchair
• An assistive device for mode of mobility
• Proper measurement and fitting is important.
• There are different type of wheelchair based on patient’s condition

4. Factors in selection of wheelchair type:
 Patient’s functional abilities
 Patient’ s anthropometric measurements
 Accessibility
 Durability

5. Factors in selection of wheelchair type:
 Temporary or permanent use
 Expected use of the chair; and
 Prognosis for change
 Mental and physical capacity
 Other features (cosmetics, service, and cost)

6. Wheelchair Components
A. Armrest.
B. Clothing guard.
C. Front rigging release.
D. Front rigging.
E. Heel loop.
F. Footplate (footrest).
G. Caster wheel.
H. Hand rim.
I. Wheel lock.
J. Drive wheel.
K. Back upholstery.
L. Push handle.

7. WHEELCHAIR SEATING AND POSITIONING
The type and features of a wheelchair prescribed for an individual
will be determined by the individual's needs, abilities, and goals.
Wheelchairs are commonly used for transportation or mobility, but
they also provide support, safety, and stability, allowing the user to
perform functional activities.

9. STANDARD WHEELCHAIR MEASUREMENTS
The patient should be seated on a firm, flat surface, such as a wood
chair or a piece of plywood placed on a mat, for the initial
measurements. The patient should dress in clothing that is similar to
what he or she normally wears. The patient should sit in a
comfortable position and posture, with the trunk erect. If a seat
cushion or backrest (e.g., a cushion or posture panel) is to be used, it
should be in place at the time of the measurements

11. WHEELCHAIR COMPONENTS AND
FEATURES

13. WHEELCHAIR COMPONENTS AND FEATURES
(Armrests)
a. Fixed armrests
• Permanently attached

14. (Armrests)
b. Removable or reversible armrests
• Secured by a pin-in-hole lock

15. (Armrests)
c. Desk or cut-out armrests
• Recommended for persons who desire to position the wheelchair
close to a permanent surface.
• Armrests are reverse

16. (Armrests)
d. Adjustable armrests
• Use for different activities or when cushions are used
• Hand function

17. (WHEELS AND TIRES)
a. Caster wheels
• permit changes of direction and turns
• solid rubber versus pneumatic (airfilled),
semipneumatic, and pneumatic tires

18. (WHEELS AND TIRES)
b. Drive or rear wheels
• Used to propel the chair
• Solid rubber, pneumatic, or semipneumatic
• Coated with plastic to propel with greater
ease (patients with decreased hand function)

19. (WHEELS AND TIRES)
c. One-arm-drive chair
• User has only one functional upper extremity and no functional
lower extremity
• 2 hand rims are attached to the same wheel
• Linkage bar: connects 2 drive wheels

20. (WHEEL LOCKS)
• Toggle lock
- Forward movement: lock
- Backward movement: unlock
- Toggle lock extension

21. (WHEEL LOCKS)
• Z or scissors lock
- Located beneath the chair seat toward the front of the seat rail
- reach under the seat

22. (WHEEL LOCKS)
• Auxiliary lock
- For a reclining back chair
- An attendant is needed or a reclining back system is used

23. (WHEEL LOCKS)
• Caster lock
- Used to lock a caster wheel before a transfer
- Optional item for most wheelchairs

24. (FRONT RIGGING, LEG REST, and FOOTREST)
FIXED FOOTRESTS
• Attached permanently to the chair frame
• Can be elevated or raised from horizontal to vertical position

25. (FRONT RIGGING, LEG REST, and FOOTREST)
Swing-away Or Removable Leg Rest
• Front rigging is pivoted out ward through releasing
of a locking mechanism such as pin lock or a pressure
release lever

26. (FRONT RIGGING, LEG REST, and FOOTREST)
Elevating Leg Rest
• Entire front rigging can be elevated and maintained at different
heights
• Useful for patients with knees unable to fully flex
- Calf panel

27. (FRONT RIGGING, LEG REST, and FOOTREST)
Footrest/Footplate
• It maintain the foot on the footrest
• May have a heel or toe loop
Heel loop
-Prevents the foot from sliding backward
Toe loop
- Prevents the foot from moving forward

28. (BODY RESTRAINTS)
Lap/Waist belt
• Prevents the user from falling out of the chair
• Crosses over lower abdomen or pelvis
• Buckle may be located at the back of the chair

29. (BODY RESTRAINTS)
Chest belt
• Attached at midchest level Function:
• increase trunk stability
• prevent the user from falling out of the chair
• maintain body upright

30. (TYPES OF WHEELCHAIR)
• Semi reclining (~30° from vertical)
• Fully reclining (to horizontal)
- Rear wheels are located more posteriorly
• Necessary components of reclining:
- Elevating leg rests
- Head rest extensions

31. TYPES OF WHEELCHAIR:
EXTERNALLY POWERED WHEELCHAIR
• Propelled by a deep cycle battery system
• Proportional drive system or microswitch
• For person with insufficient strength or motor
control of the extremities

32. TYPES OF WHEELCHAIR: SPORT/RECREATIONAL WHEELCHAIR
• Low profile chair
• Features:
- Low back rests
- Solid, lightweight frames
- Centered (angled) rear wheels
- Low and narrow seats
- Small handrims
- Adjustable axles/adjustable back

33. TYPES OF WHEELCHAIR: FOLDING WHEELCHAIRS
• Many wheelchairs
• For storage and/or transport

34. WRAP-UP ACTIVITY
If you were to invent a type of wheelchair what type
of wheelchair it is and what are the materials you are
going to use?

35. ASSESSMENT
Prepare for a 10-item quiz regarding the different
types of wheel-chair and its components and
features.

36. References:
Fairchild, S. (2013) Pierson and Fairchild’s Principles and Techniques
of Patient Care (5th ed.). Elsevier Inc.

37. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!