Types of Wheelchairs

• Standard wheelchair:

  • self propelling - can tell by the rim on the outside of the wheel
  • used for people who need to go around their community, can also be used long term
• Sports wheelchair:

  • has fixed foot plates
  • narrower than standard wheelchair
  • lower back support
  • is self propelling
  • sometimes the wheels are offset at an angle as well
• Reclining Wheelchair:

  • can be self propelling, but most pts using these wont self propel
  • levers at the back allow it to be reclined
  • leg plates can also be elevated - helpful for full length plasters and for people who are more likely to fatigue due to increase in postural demands
  • does have issues such as an opening which means arm can fall out, the hip angle is being opened out which means they can slip out
• Cirrus wheelchair:

  • shares a similarity with the reclining wheelchair, but takes away some disadvantages
  • once again for people with postural stability requirements
  • the back is moulded to cup around pts - providing support to the trunk and head which is adjustable
  • leg support has an additional calf support
  • whole chair can be tilted back / reclined - keeping the hips at 90 degrees, allowing gravity to assist the pelvis being pushed into seat
• Make sure to put pressure relief cushions on the chair if the pts require it