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How to Self Propeller a Wheelchair Self-propelling wheelchairs can open up a new world of independence. It takes practice and the right body posture to achieve this. A precise grip and method of pushing is essential for a the proper body positioning. This article will focus on these skills and other crucial aspects of wheelchair propelling. Hand Positioning Self-propulsion is a key element to self-propulsion. It's best to start with precision and then move to speed. It's also a good idea to sit down while pushing to increase the stability and comfort, particularly for users with upper body restrictions. Hands should be set so that they match the speed of the wheel and push with both hands, without wrapping thumbs around hand-rims. This is a common omission which reduces efficiency and increases the amount of force required for each stroke. The recovery path of the hands should be performed in an open pendular manner beneath the hand-rims following each propelling cycle to avoid contact with the rear wheels (a “semi-circular” recovery pattern). This helps reduce shoulder strain as well as limiting the amount of strokes and length of each stroke at the minimum. It is often recommended to make long strokes and a full recovery when working on more difficult surfaces (like the hand position on a timepiece). This helps to minimize shoulder injury due to repetitive motion, but it can also increase the load on shoulders during each cycle. Using the same position for both braking and propelling can also help minimize shoulder injuries. If the person using the wheelchair is able to maintain a consistent pace in both actions it will be simpler to manage the forces applied and to adjust for differences in the terrain. On muddy or soft surfaces it is common to lean forward slightly while driving to keep the front wheels from sinking into ground and tipping backwards. It is worth trying different levels of trunk lean in order to find the best balance between too little and too much. Regular practice will improve your confidence and proficiency. Wheelchair propulsion is a transformative ability for people who have mobility issues. Anyone can learn to drive a manual wheelchair with ease with the right equipment, technique and knowledge. This entry was posted under News and tagged wheelchair. Foot Positioning The position of the feet of the client is very crucial to ensure stability. It is often not ideal for a wheelchair with feet which are too far apart since this makes it extremely difficult to self propel. Sometimes it is necessary for the wheelchair to have this configuration to maneuver over difficult terrain. For instance, if a client is going down a very steep ramp or even over some of our fantastic National Parks or beaches, the wheelchair must have wheels that can push up and over them in a way that allows the user to move themselves forwards. This is accomplished by placing the front wheels in the manner shown in the photo below. The user can push the wheels together by grasping the wheels. This is a slow and difficult method that requires a lot of upper body strength. Wheelies are also essential to help the user overcome obstacles such as curbs or other people. In this situation, the client will place their left foot on top of the right, to allow them to raise themselves up and over the obstacle. The user will then move their right leg upwards and over the obstacle, while pushing with their left hand. This is referred to as the crabwalk. It is an extremely effective method to move a wheelchair across some of our most difficult terrain. They are a great choice for injured or disabled people who wish to move about without assistance. They are light, flexible and foldable so that they don't take up the same amount of space in a house as other mobility aids do. By utilizing accessories like the E-Motion, they are able to be converted into powerchairs, giving the user freedom to sit in their chair and the additional benefit of electric assistance when needed. Braking Self-propulsion in wheelchairs is a crucial skill for those who have mobility issues. It allows them to navigate different types of terrains and situations independently. It also helps to build strength in their upper arms and shoulders. To propel a wheelchair forward, the user should apply pressure to one hand rim while pulling up on the opposite side. This pull-pull action creates momentum and propels the wheelchair in the direction desired. The speed at which the wheelchair is propelled can be altered by applying more or less pressure to the rims, or by using hand brakes if they are fitted with them. Ideally, the push cycle should last three hours or more. This will reduce the duration that the shoulder is loaded, reducing the chance of injury due to repetitive strain. The speed that the wheelchair is pushed will be influenced by the width and size of the rear wheels. Larger wheels require more force to move, while smaller wheels are easier to maneuver. My Mobility Scooters can also be designed with camber that aligns the rear wheels with biomechanics and enhances lateral stability. Wheelchair users looking to improve their technique for propelling should concentrate on achieving the proper body posture, and practice in a safe environment, such as an empty hall or parking lot. The goal is to create long slow strokes, allowing the wheelchair to glide between strokes. It is also essential that the user learn to maneuver when moving, such navigating turns or weaving around objects. One way to practice this is by weaving across cones, and then slowly moving into straight-line motion. The more you practice, the easier this will become. Self-propelled wheelchairs are an excellent tool to help people remain active and do things they enjoy. They can offer the freedom to move around and can be a fantastic tool for socializing, going to the cinema or go on a trip. If you can learn to use a wheelchair correctly, you can continue or get back your independence and get to the place you want to be. Stability A person who is a wheelchair user who can self-propel their chair is able to be self-sufficient and travel wherever they wish to go without relying on others. However, it does take an adequate amount of upper body strength to push the wheels on flat surfaces, and even up small hills. This is the reason why many wheelchair users use an attendant controlled chair (also known by the name attendant propelled) like the Action3 NG, or ErgoLite 2, and are pushed. The act of grasping the hand rims in order to move a manual wheelchair is among the most important things to master to ensure optimal performance and comfort. We find that many clients use this kind of wheelchair with their hand rims placed too far in the forward direction. This means they have to reach further backwards to move their arms. This isn't biomechanically efficient and could lead to shoulder strain. The optimal hand-propulsion motion is a semi-circular movement that sees the user alternate between the push and recovery phase. The push phase involves the user pushing down onto the casters of the wheelchair, which requires many small strokes. This push pattern helps to strengthen the shoulder retractor muscles and ensure a healthy range of motion. As the recovery phase begins the client moves their hands back and forth along the wheels' rims until contact is made again with the casters. This allows the user to make some longer strokes and reduces the amount of friction that occurs during the recovery phase. Some wheelchair users will slide their hands down the rims in a smooth arc during this phase, but this isn't as efficient and may create extra wear on the rims. Another crucial aspect of stability is the position of the rear wheel for self-propulsion. If the wheel is placed too far to the left the wheelchair could easily tip. This can be difficult to maneuver around obstacles and it's not a good idea to risk shoulder injuries. We must assess a client's strength, range of motion, muscle tone and the state of their orthopedics during the assessment of their seating to determine the best wheel position for them.