Education in Motion / Resources / Manual Mobility Resources / Wheelchair Configurations and Seat Functions for Common Postural Asymmetries

Wheelchair Configurations and Seat Functions for Common Postural Asymmetries

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The QUICKIE® Access™ solves multiple seating challenges while allowing clients to propel, offering much appreciated independence. Its low seat-to-floor height allows access under tables and desks. It also allows the client to foot propel. If the client is using their hands to propel, the knee pivot tilt provides greater access to the wheels while also promoting a stable and functional posture. Up to 25° tilt and 40° recline offer clinically effective pressure relief. We have outlined the clinical applications below.

Challenge

Illustration of a woman slumped over in her wheelchair

Client tends to have kyphosis, head down, and/or posterior tilt.

Illustration of a man sliding out of his wheelchair

Client tends to slide out of wheelchair.

Solution

Diagram showing the QUICKIE Access tilt range

Access™ with Posterior Tilt

With tilt, gravity will help keep the head and trunk upright.

With tilt, the client is less likely to slide out of the wheelchair and more likely to maintain proper posture.

Challenge

Illustration of a woman sitting in her wheelchair

Client often develops skin breakdown from lack of movement.

Illustration of a man slumped over in his wheelchair

Client tends to have difficulty with respiration, digestion, or elimination.

Solution

Diagram showing the QUICKIE Access tilt range

Access™ with Adjustable Tilt & Recline

Tilt & recline provide alternative positions for pressure management, meeting the recommended angles of 25° of tilt and 40° of recline.

Allows the client's trunk to be elongated, improving physiological functions of the organs.

Challenge

Illustration of a woman in her wheelchair unable to fit under a table

Tilt raises the front end too high to fit under tables.

Illustration of a woman in her wheelchair unable to fit under a table

Thicker skin protection cushions inhibit access to tables.

Solution

Photo of a man in a QUICKIE Access fitting under a table

Access™ with Low Seat-to-Floor Height

Allows the individual to be tilted or reclined without the front end of the wheelchair raising and inhibiting the wheelchair's ability to fit under tables.

When adding a thicker cushion, the low seat-to-floor height allows the individual to remain at the proper height for tabletop activities.

Challenge

Illustration of a woman in her wheelchair, her feet unable to reach the floor

If the client's feet do not reach the floor, they cannot foot propel and will lose their independence.

Illustration of a man sitting too far forward in his wheelchair to reach the handrims

If the client is sitting too far forward and cannot reach the handrims, they cannot self-propel and are at risk of losing their independence.

Solution

Photo showing a man in a QUICKIE Access foot propelling and hand propelling

Access™ Configured for Foot and Hand Propelling

The adjustable low seat-to-floor height allows for foot propelling.

Numerous positioning options ensure proper seating for hand propelling.

The chair's light weight increases mobility, especially for those with generalized weakness.

Challenge

Illustration of a woman having difficulty standing up from out of her wheelchair

Client is unable to stand alone, which can lead to pressure injuries.

Illustration of a man having difficulty standing up from out of his wheelchair

Client may have difficulty with transferring independently and needs to rely on a caregiver.

Solution

Diagram showing the QUICKIE Access anterior tilt range

Access™ with Anterior Tilt

By positioning the wheelchair frame at a -5° anterior angle, the individual will be able to more easily stand up for transfers and pressure management.

An anterior angle also provides alternative positioning.

References

  1. Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment Following Spinal Cord Injury: A clinical guideline for Health-Care Professionals 2nd. ed., 2014.
  2. Dicianno, B. E., Lieberman, J., Schmeler, M. R., Souza, A. E., Cooper, R., Lange, M.,...Jan, Y. (2015). Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America's Position on the Application of Tilt, Recline, and Elevating Legrests for Wheelchairs Literature Update. Assistive Technology,27(3), 193-198. resna.org
  3. Jan, Y., Liao, F., Jones, M. A., Rice, L. A., & Tisdell, T. (2013). Effects of Durations of Wheelchair Tilt-in-Space and Recline on Skin Perfusion Over the Ischial Tuberosity in People With Spinal Cord Injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,94(4), 667-672.
  4. Frank, A. O., De Souza, L. H., Frank, J. L., & Neophytou, C. (2012). The pain experiences of powered wheelchair users. Disability and Rehabilitation, 34(9), 770-778.
  5. Cook, A. M., Polgar, J. M., & Encarnação. (2020) P. Enabling Function and Participation With Seating Technologies. Assistive Technologies (Fifth Edition), Mosby. Pages 192-223.
  6. EnableNSW and Lifetime Care & Support Authority, Guidelines for the prescription of a seated wheelchair or mobility scooter for people with a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. EnableNSW and LTCSA Editor, 2011, Sydney. https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au

Published: 2022-07-11

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