Self Propelled Wheelchairs
Self-propelled wheelchairs, also called manual chairs, are specifically designed for people who are strong enough to propel themselves. You can enjoy your life and maintain or regain your independence by being in a position to move your chair on your own.
Certain self-propelled wheelchairs have pushing handles, so that they can also be pushed by a third party when needed. This reduces the need to exert a substantial upper body pressure to push the wheelchair, which could lead to arm injuries.
Easy manoeuvrability
Self-propelled chairs, in contrast to power wheelchairs, which are powered by an electric motor, rely on the user's strength to propel them forward. They are easy to maneuver around furniture, tight corners and other obstacles.
They are a great choice for those who wish to maintain or regain their independence. They are also an effective exercise. Utilizing the strength of their upper bodies to propel the chair engages muscles and promotes cardiovascular health. Furthermore, many self propelled chairs offer a range of options that can be adjusted to meet the individual's requirements.
As opposed to standard manual wheelchairs that are designed with rear wheels located at the back of the chair, self propelled chairs come with large rear wheels and push-rims, which allow you to move them by hand. Self-propelled chairs are lighter than electric wheelchairs, meaning they take up less room in your home and are easier to transport on public transport.
It's important to consider the lifestyle of the user and their needs when selecting a self-propelled chair. They might require a wheelchair with puncture-proof or outdoor tires so that they can use it on rough terrain or off-road. Some clients might require a particular frame to ensure that their feet can be able to comfortably reach the pedals.
Seat-to-floor is also an important aspect to think about. For instance, those with hemiparesis, who only function only on one side of their body, need a chair with a low seat-to-floor height to allow them to foot-propel with their hands.
Another factor to consider is whether the user is able to reach the front wheel with their hands. Ideally, they should be able to touch the centre of the wheel with their thumb and index finger but this will be contingent on their functional level and how close the front wheels are to the ground.
It is also worth looking into powered add-ons. These can reduce the strain on the upper body of the client which allows them to have more energy to perform other things. However, they are not appropriate for everyone. They might not be a suitable choice for those who require an extremely heavy-duty chair or who have an extreme mobility impairment.
Increased independence
Self-propelled wheelchairs give the user the ability to move by themselves, allowing them to be independent. It allows the user to manage their movements to be able to navigate furniture and areas that are crowded with ease. It also lets them move at their own speed and thus enables them to traverse long distances on difficult terrain. This freedom is vital for the well-being of the user and their social engagement.
It is important to be aware that a wheelchair that is self-propelled requires both arms to function. This could lead to injuries to the arms if not done correctly. Request a therapist's help to ensure that you don't get injured.
Contrary to a transit wheelchair, which has tiny rear wheels, and therefore the user is unable to propel themselves, self-propelled chairs have larger rear wheels fitted with push rims that enable the user to drive their chair independently. They are more suited to outdoor use since they can be adapted to different types of terrain, and can even go up and over small curbs.
The study enlisted 15 healthy adults with mobility needs. They were tested on three different conditions: a forward straight (15 m) and a slalom course (nine cones that were aligned and separated by decreasing distances) and an agility test. They were required to propel their wheelchairs through these trials and then answer the Perceived Exertion Questionnaire. The consumption of oxygen, lung ventilation and heart rate were measured continuously using an oxygen analyzer portable (Cateye Cycle Computer VELO 8; Osaka, Japan) during the propulsion tests and resting periods.
The results showed that a self propelled wheelchair is more efficient than an electric wheelchair in traversing difficult terrain. This is because of the large rear wheels that are fitted with push rims, which enable the user to move their wheelchair with greater speed and precision. The light weight design of these wheelchairs enables them to be easily stored and transported.
Increased fitness
The best wheelchairs for mobility impaired users can be self-propelled, as they allow the user to walk without needing someone else to push them. This allows you to keep or even regain your independence, which can give you a brand new lease of life. You can utilize your wheelchair in a variety of settings and are not restricted to indoor spaces.
In contrast to transit wheelchairs (which have small rear wheels and can only be moved with pushing), self propelled chairs have larger rear wheels and pushing handles that users can reach to propel themselves. You can now move further by yourself and improve your fitness and health.
This is particularly important for those with chronic mobility issues, since a prolonged overload of the upper body can lead to injuries and pain. This can stop people from participating in any physical activity, and could cause a sedentary way of life, which can make their health more difficult. lightweight self propelled folding wheelchair -propelled chair can help reduce the amount of stress placed on the upper body and prevent these issues.
In addition wheelchairs can also be constructed with motorized add-ons that can assist in moving forward. This can reduce the amount of effort required by the user, allowing them to save their strength for other purposes. This is especially useful for those who have difficulty to move on bumpy or uneven surfaces, such as kerbs and slopes.
All types of manual wheelchairs can be fitted with power-driven add-ons. A lot of them can be controlled via Bluetooth or smartwatches. This makes them extremely popular with younger users who are familiar with technology and appreciate the idea of using their mobile devices to navigate their wheelchairs.
Research has revealed that seat height plays a major role in cardiorespiratory response and mechanical efficiency when manual wheelchairs are pushed at sub-maximal speeds. A study has found that the optimal seat heights for this kind of wheelchair are about 100deg, which is ideal to reduce the strain on shoulder muscles. This is crucial for those with soft tissue injuries around the shoulder.
Convenient storage
Many clients who choose to use a wheelchair all the time must think about how to store it at home as well as when on the move. Many manufacturers offer storage solutions that are easy to use. For instance the XS2 Self Propelled Wheelchair has the front wheels swivel, making it easy to manoeuvre indoors or in tight spaces. The wheels are easy to maintain and have puncture-proof tyres for an enjoyable ride. The XS2 comes in a variety of seat widths to suit different types of users. The chair comes with two parking brakes to provide added safety. One can be operated while sitting in the chair and the other is operated by an attendant.
Another consideration is the weight of the wheelchair. There are lighter models, but they may not be suitable for certain outdoor areas like national parks and beaches. Some models also have removable armrests to make transporting the chair easier.
The main reason to opt for a self-propelled chair is to regain a sense of independence and freedom, to get around without needing to rely on others. Some customers find that it can boost their energy levels and gives them a new energy. They do require upper body strength, so it's important that you be aware of your limitations before purchasing one.
A self-propelled wheelchair also offers the benefit of being able to maneuver it on flat surfaces. Certain chairs can be adjusted to accommodate varying levels of ground, but it can only go only so far. If self propelled lightweight folding wheelchair is to be used outdoors, it may be better to choose an electric chair with tyres made for different terrains.
In terms of manoeuvrability, some models feature a rigid frame to avoid breakages and decrease the amount of energy needed to propel the chair. These kinds of wheelchairs tend to be lighter than folding chairs since they don't need an extension mechanism to extend the frame.
The rear wheels are bigger and have a rim that allows the user to push the chair with their foot. Certain clients, such as those with hemiparesis who choose to propel their chairs using their feet require the rear wheels to have a lower position so that they can reach.