Blog
Power Mobility for Individuals Who Are Bariatric
In 2015, I wrote a 3-part Clinical Corner series on seating and mobility considerations for individuals who are bariatric. Here are links to the articles:Seating and Mobility Considerations for Individuals Who Are Bariatric, Part 1: Body...
Power Wheelchairs - Batteries
This month, Clinical Corner will re-visit the topic of batteries in power wheelchairs. This topic was first addressed in a 2012 blog post, De-mystifying Power Wheelchairs: Batteries and Motors. This month, Clinical Corner will review and update...
Standing Power Wheelchair Evaluation: Considering All of the Client's Goals
Recently I was invited to participate in a follow-up appointment for a client named Errol who was seeking a new power wheelchair (PWC). The original assessment was pretty standard fare - all parties involved wanted to make sure that we understood...
Choosing the Right Power Wheelchair for Travel
Traveling always calls for some planning. With a power wheelchair, the number of factors to consider increases exponentially. Not only is it a different climate and environment, you could be traveling by car, train, or plane! Power wheelchairs...
The Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Recreation
As therapists, we have likely had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact recreation can have on physical, emotional, and mental health. Recreation is vital for everyone at every age and every level of ability, as it promotes physical...
Alternative Drive and Mode Control Options
Prescribing a power wheelchair can be overwhelming with all the choices on not only the power base, power seat functions, and seating options, but also determining what is the most effective drive control for the rider. The Education in Motion...
Mechanical vs. Electronic Switches - What are the primary differences?
Switches can give clients with physical limitations the ability to control almost anything including communication devices, iPads, power wheelchairs, environmental control devices, and more. While there are numerous types of switches on the market...
Celebrating 5 Years of Clinical Corner!
Clinical Corner is 5 years old! As I mentioned in Happy Anniversary..., I began writing articles related to the clinical aspects of seating and mobility for our monthly Sunrise Medical Newsletter, SUNMED News, in January 2011. In March 2011, a...
Seat Elevation in Power Mobility
What it isSeat elevation in a power wheelchair is a lift of the seat pan on the vertical plane, as the picture below illustrates. Seat elevation raises and lowers the height of the seating system, without changing seat to back or seat to floor...
Power Wheelchair Drive Controls, Part 3: Proportional
In our previous two blog posts we reviewed the primary differences between proportional & non-proportional drive controls and took a deep dive into non-proportional drive controls. As we wrap up this series, our focus will be on the...
Power Wheelchair Seat Frame Comparison
After considering the importance of drive wheel position, often the next step in this process is deciding which seat frame will best meet the client's needs both today and down the road. As we expect power wheelchairs to suit the client for...
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Providing Seating and Wheeled Mobility Services
April is Occupational Therapy Month! This is a time to recognize and thank our therapists for what they do. If you see or know an occupational therapist, take a moment to reach out to them.What is an occupational therapist's role in seating...
Education in Motion and Clinical Corner Catalogue
If you follow Clinical Corner, you will notice that the article in October often is a little different than usual. October marks another anniversary with Sunrise Medical for me. It is 9 years now! October also marks Occupational Therapy month...
Alternative Drive Controls - Implications and Considerations
After considering the importance of drive wheel position and power seat function requirements, often the next step in prescribing a power wheelchair is deciding how a client will drive the wheelchair and manage any power seat functions.Consider...
Choosing Your Optimal Manual Wheelchair Power Assist Device
When choosing a power assist/add-on device for a manual wheelchair, consider that each has distinct capabilities, benefits, and drawbacks. This guide provides an easy-to-understand overview of the considerations and implications for each broad...
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