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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence for those with limited walking ability. It is crucial to learn how to move your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area. Wheelies are a common method to move in a wheelchair. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and have strong grip strength to propel them forward. Seating Position Like the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair allows you to move yourself and not rely on others. This is the primary factor that helps many to regaining their independence or maintaining it. It also reduces the chance of injury for both the wheelchair user and those who are around them. It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for the wheelchair user. To accomplish this, there are a few options you can take. First, make sure that the footplates are in the correct position. Release the footrest catch, then swing them around until they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user is able to comfortably place their feet on the footplates and that there is even pressure on their feet. The footrest height may need lowering, especially for users who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). If the footrests are not high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the spine and cause discomfort and pain. A forehead strap will assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. These can be adapted by a mobility expert and can be used with wheelchairs that don't have headrests. If the wheelchair comes with armrests, it is essential to ensure that they are in a proper position and that the wheelchair user can propel without hitting them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs with swing away or removable armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and attached to the back of the armrest to raise them up to a more comfortable position. A cushion that is well-fitted for a wheelchair is crucial, especially for those who are at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. Pressure ulcers can occur when the skin rubs against wheelchair surfaces. In certain instances, the skin can become irritated and raw from sitting in the same position for long periods of time and can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently can reduce the chance of pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need of someone to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have bigger rear wheels and push handles that are fitted to their sides. This allows them to move across a variety of surfaces without worrying about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small. When you are moving forward with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure could cause your hands to cramp and reduce how much force you can use. It may also be beneficial to wear a handrim cover or a wheelchair glove with grip material built into the palms. This will improve your hand position and increase the amount of force you can apply. Keep the front casters clear of debris, like sticks or rocks. If the casters are encased with this kind of material, it can make it difficult to move as you would expect from your wheelchair and could cause the loss of control and/or injury. If the height of your seat to floor is high, you might want to consider adding some additional padding to the front casters. It is recommended that a caregiver pushes the wheelchair to help you climb a steep hill or an easy step. If you want to do this on your own, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of medical professionals. When you do this, it is important that you position the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels close to the curb's edge. When you are pushing up a slope it is crucial to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure that you don't cross paths with other people. You'll speed up quickly in the event that you don't leave enough space in front of you. You could also crash with someone else. To prevent this from happening, try to be aware of those in the vicinity when you are on a slope. Also, have a caregiver or a friend ready to catch you in case you start to fall from your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is secure, the user must operate the braking and steering actions in a specific manner. This is particularly crucial when the chair is placed on a slope, as the center of gravity could move forward if brakes are not performed in a controlled way. Always make sure that your hand is in the correct position when you push a wheelchair. Ideally you should put it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand around 2 o'clock (2:00). This ensures that the bulk of the body's weight is over the rear wheels, allowing for the smoothest, easiest push. It also helps keep the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints. To turn left with a wheelchair to turn left, push forward on the right-hand side of the rim and pull the left-hand rim back. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allows you to sit in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars which prevent the chair from tipping in the reverse direction. Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In some cases the wheelchair might need to be dismounted temporarily and operated by hand to negotiate steep slopes. In this case, it is recommended that you seek out a friend or family member to help and follow the steps in the User Guide. It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will reduce the pressure on the front and back tyres and allow you to go faster over the kerb. The kerb climber feature on many manual wheelchairs can also assist with this process by enhancing the climbing capability of the wheelchair by about 10cm (4”). To stop a wheelchair, move the joystick to the side to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to exiting the chair. Steering The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be accomplished in different ways depending on the wheelchair's structure and any additional features such as armrests or phone or drink holders. wheelchair self propelled folding come in a variety sizes and shapes. The size of the front casters, as an example will determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to handle. Small casters let a chair move faster, but they struggle on rough surfaces such as grass or cobblestone. Large casters permit wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces however, the chair won't be as fast. On smooth, level surfaces, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the hand rims and pushing with a uniform hand. Hands should not be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand because this could cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes a turn. It is also recommended that the wheelchair user test leaning forward and backwards to different extents to determine an optimum balance between lean and control. For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. The user of the wheelchair should look over both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or other people. If they are travelling with a caregiver, they must be ready to help when needed. If the wheelchair is intended to be used on a slope, it should be driven or assisted by a caregiver until the user has gained experience with this. To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to push one hand rim forward while pushing the other rim back. The user of a wheelchair should practice this on smooth and level ground prior to attempting it on other surfaces as the movement may be uncomfortable and the chair may easily tip over if the action is not properly mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can help reduce the pressure on the user, and also make turning easier. It is crucial to be aware that untrained people tend to force wheelchair users against their will. The user of the wheelchair should cover the handles or fold them back.