Manoeuvring a wheelchair

• To go forwards:

  • take off the brakes
  • movement is referred to as moving from 12 to 2
  • hold onto metal rim, not tire
• To go backwards:

  • take off the brakes
  • movement is from 2 to 12
  • push and pull with both hands equally
  • make sure pts are looking backwards when doing so
• Turning - wide arc:

  • push harder with one arm compared to the other
• Turning - tighter space:

  • one hand in 12 oclock position pushing to 2 oclock
  • other hand in 2 oclock position pulling to 12 oclock
• Progress moving forwards, backwards and turning via an obstacle course with cones
• • when going up a steep incline lean forwards to prevent yourself from falling backwards
  • when going down slope keep control of the rim and use brake