Self Propelled Wheelchairs
Self propelled wheelchairs, sometimes known as manual chairs are made for those who have the strength to propel themselves. You can enjoy your life and regain your independence by being able to move your chair independently.
Some self-propelled chairs come with push handles so they can be pushed by someone else should it be necessary. This reduces the need for significant upper body strength to push the chair, which could cause arm injuries.
Easy manoeuvrability
In contrast to power wheelchairs, which are propelled by an electric motor, self propelled chairs rely on the user's strength to push them forward. They are able to easily maneuver around furniture, tight corner and other obstacles.
As such, they are a great choice for those who wish to maintain or regain their independence. In addition, they also be a good source of physical exercise. Through their strength in the upper body they can help engage muscles and improve cardiovascular health. Furthermore, many self propelled chairs come with options that can be adjusted to meet specific needs.
As opposed to standard manual wheelchairs which are built with rear wheels on the back of the chair, self-propelled chairs come with large rear wheels and push-rims that make it easier to move them using a hand. They are also lighter than electric ones, which means they require less space in your home and can be more easily transported on public transport.
When selecting a self-propelled wheelchair, it's important to consider the client's needs and lifestyle. For instance, they may require a wheelchair that is puncture-proof or outdoor-specific tires to enable the use of the vehicle off road or on rough terrain. Some clients might also require a specialized frame to ensure that their feet can access the pedals with ease.
It's also important to think about the seat-to-floor distance. People with hemiparesis that have only one side of their body that functions require chairs with an extremely low seat to floor height to allow their hands to propel themselves.
A client's ability to reach the front wheel is another factor. Ideally they should be in a position to reach the centre of the wheel using the index finger and thumb, but this will depend on their functional level and how close the front wheels are to the ground.
Finally, it's worth considering powered accessories. They can ease the burden on the upper body of the client, allowing them more energy to perform other things. They're not for everyone. For instance they might not be suitable for people who require a chair that is heavy duty or have a lot of mobility issues.
Increased independence
Self-propelled wheelchairs give users the power to move themselves, allowing them to be independent. It allows the user to control their movements, so they can maneuver through crowded spaces and furniture with ease. It also lets them move at their own pace, so they can travel for long distances across difficult terrain. Ultimately, this freedom is vital for the health of the user and their social involvement.
You should be aware that a chair that self-propelled requires both arms to operate. This could result in injuries to your arms if it is not done correctly. To avoid this, it is essential to consult a therapist to train you in the correct way for propelling your chair so that you can enjoy the benefits without putting yourself at risk of injury.
Self-propelled chairs, as opposed to transit wheelchairs, have bigger rear wheels that have push rims. This allows users to control the chair on their own. They are more suitable for outdoor use because they can be adapted to different kinds of terrains, and even climb up and over small curbs.
15 healthy adults who required wheelchair mobility were recruited for the study. They were assessed on three different conditions: a forward straight (15 m), slalom course (nine cones aligned, separated by decreasing distances) and an agility test. They were required to propel their wheelchairs through all three trials and respond to the questionnaire for Perceived Exertion. The consumption of oxygen, lung ventilation and heart rate were recorded continuously by a portable oxygen analyzer (Cateye Cycle Computer VELO 8; Osaka, Japan) during the propulsion tests and resting periods.
The results showed that an electric wheelchair was less efficient in navigating difficult terrain than a self-propelled. This is because of the large rear wheels equipped with push rims which permit the user to move their wheelchair with greater speed and accuracy. Additionally, the lightweight design of these chairs ensures that they can be moved and stored without much effort.
Increased fitness
The most suitable wheelchairs for mobility impaired users can be self-propelled, as they allow the user to move themselves without needing someone else to push them. This allows you to maintain or even regain your independence, which could give you a fresh perspective on life. You can use your wheelchair in a variety of situations and are not restricted to indoor locations.
Contrary to transit wheelchairs (which have small rear wheels and can only be moved by pushing) Self-propelled chairs have larger rear wheels and have pushing handles that the user can reach to propel themselves. You can now go further with your own self and improve your fitness and health.
This is crucial for those who suffer from long-term mobility issues, since prolonged stress on the upper body can cause injuries and pain, preventing people from participating in physical activities, and leading to an unhealthy lifestyle that can have further complications for their health. Utilizing a self-propelled chair can decrease the amount of stress placed on the upper body and help prevent these issues.
Wheelchairs can also be fitted with powered add-ons that can help the user move forward. This reduces the effort required of the user and allows them to conserve energy for other purposes. This is especially beneficial for those who have trouble getting around uneven or bumpy surfaces like kerbs and slopes.
Powered add-ons can be attached to any type of manual wheelchairs, and many of them can be controlled using Bluetooth or smartwatches. They are extremely popular with younger users who are at ease with technology and love the idea of using their smartphones to control their wheelchairs.
Research has proven that the seat height of the manual wheelchair is an important factor in the heart's response and mechanical efficiency in submaximal manual wheelchair propulsion. A study found that optimal seat heights for this kind of wheelchair are around 100 degrees, which is ideal for reducing the strain placed on shoulder muscles. This is particularly important for people suffering from soft tissue injury around the shoulder.
Convenient storage
Many people who require a wheelchair full-time basis need to think about how they can store it both at home and while traveling. Many manufacturers offer storage solutions that are convenient. For instance the XS2 Self Propelled Wheelchair has two wheels that swivel in the front making it easier to maneuver indoors or in tight spaces. The wheels are easy to maintain and come with puncture-proof tyres to ensure a comfortable ride. The XS2 is available in a range of seat widths to suit different types of users. To increase safety, the chair has two parking brakes. One that can be operated while sitting in the chair, and the other that can be operated by an attendant.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the wheelchair. There are lighter wheelchairs but they might not be suitable for outdoor use such as national parks and beaches. Certain models come with adjustable armrests, which help in transporting the chair.
The main reason to opt for a self-propelled chair is to regain independence and freedom, to travel around without having to rely on others. ultra lightweight self propelled wheelchair find that this can boost their energy levels and gives them a new perspective on life. They do require a lot of strength in the upper body, so it's important that you know your limits before buying one.
A self-propelled wheelchair also has the benefit of being able to maneuver it on flat surfaces. Certain chairs can be adjusted for different ground surfaces however this is only temporary solutions. If the chair is to be used outdoors, it might be best to choose a power chair with tyres that are made for different terrains.
Certain models are designed to be maneuverable with a frame that is rigid. This helps to reduce the energy required to propel the wheelchair. These wheelchairs are lighter than folding chairs as they don't need to have an extension mechanism to the frame.
To let a user push the chair using their feet, the rear wheels are generally larger and fitted with a push-rim. Certain clients, such as those with hemiparesis who choose to push their chairs with their feet, require that the rear wheels be lower in order to allow them to reach.