Mobility Aids and Wheel Chairs
MOBILITY AID
 A piece of equipment used to provide
support or stability for a person as
he/she walks
(Pierson, 1999)
 Provide an extension of the UE to
help transmit BW & provide support
for the patient
FUNCTIONS
 Increase area of support
 Increase patient’s stability
 Redistribute & unload a
weightbearing limb
 Improve balance
 Provide sensory feedback
WHEEL CHAIRS
 When a person experiences a decline in their physical
condition due to medical complications or old age, they may
no longer be able to walk independently.
 An Occupational Therapist can complete a
wheelchair assessment to enable such a person to
maintain safe and independent access to their
environment.
 A wheelchair and seating assessment ensures an optimum fit
between the user and their equipment. Buying a wheelchair
is much like buying a car in that more features cost more
money, so choosing an appropriate wheelchair vendor is very
important
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST’S ROLE
Help with many aspects of the wheelchair buying experience.
Facilitate the wheelchair trial set-up
Provide with information about local vendors
Wheelchair assessment outlining the targeted
outcomes of prescribing a wheelchair. This
assessment should include the following: a physical
assessment, a cognitive assessment, and a list of the
current functional abilities of patients.
 He will also provide a detailed description of
environmental factors to ensure the use of
prescribed wheelchair in home and work
environment. This ensures wheelchair fits in with
patient life, so that he can carry on as close to
normal as possible.
 He will give the detailed information about the wheelchair
after the assessment, such as the chair’s dimensions and
components like the backrest, cushion, the footrest, and the
wheel size.
Rigid frame wheelchairs
 It have a seat back that folds for transport.
 The wheels have quick-release axles that allow them to fit into a
vehicle with ease.
 Most users are able to load their rigid wheelchair into a car
without assistance, because they are made of lightweight
aluminum and usually weight (10 to 20) pounds without wheels.
 The footrests on rigid wheelchairs are attached to the frame;
acting like a platform that runs across the front.
Sport Wheelchairs
Many people are also using sport wheelchairs for everyday use.
Because they are made of aluminum,
Sports chairs are easy to propel and get in and out of cars.
SPORTS WHEEL CHAIR
Shower Wheelchairs
 is a useful tool at home.
 The use of it will reduce assistance from caregivers,
thereby giving a person with weak motor strength and
stability a sense of independence while bathing.
 Some commodes have removable armrests which permit better
reach during bathing.
 Shower wheelchairs also have an opening in their seat,
similar to a toilet seat.
 Shower chairs are typically made of plastic, with waterproof seats
and backrests.
SHOWER WHEEL CHAIR
Manual Wheel Chairs
Folding frame wheelchairs
 are conventional wheelchairs,
constructed with an X-shaped
brace at the center that allows
the frame to fold sideways.
 is often bulky and heavy, and
most users are unable to load it
into a vehicle without help.
ADVANTAGES OF A FOLDING WHEELCHAIR:
 Folds for car transport
 Can be folded and stowed without removing any
parts
 Its flexibility keeps all four wheels on the ground
on rough surfaces
 Has swing-away leg rests, where rigid frames have
fixed front ends
 Stores in out of the way places in small homes
DISADVANTAGES OF A FOLDING WHEELCHAIR:
 Has adjustable and removable parts that could break or be lost
 Maybe too flimsy for certain sports
 Seat angle is usually not adjustable
 Harder to push than rigid models
 Generally heavier than rigid chairs
 Less durable then rigid models
Transport Wheel Chair
 Transport wheelchairs allow the physically limited and the elderly time out of the
house for small durations and errands that are part of everyday life.
 Transport wheelchairs are light so they are easy to transport.
 They are also foldable for easy transport in cars and for storage.
 Users of walkers or canes might find a transport wheelchair is a comfortable
alternative when attending lengthy events like weddings or when on sight-seeing
vacations.
 Transport wheelchairs provide the following
advantages:
 Lightweight and easy to push
 Cost less ($200+) then most heavy-duty manual and electric
wheelchairs
 Cost less to maintain thanks to fewer complex parts
 Travel and store easier then electric wheelchairs
 Help improve stamina, strength and agility as you push
TRANSPORT WHEEL CHAIR
Wheelchair Cushions
 A wheelchair cushion protects your backside from making
pressure sores and keeps vibration and shock to a minimum.
 A quality wheelchair cushion will protect your spine, back, hips
and rear, by absorbing any impacts so your body experiences less
bumps and bruises.
 Your back is also shielded by a cushioned backrest. Wheelchair
backrests protect you against shock suffered to the front of your
chair - like if you hit a curb.
 A well-padded, contoured backrest will also support posture,
reduce back stress and protect you on life's bumpy roads
Foam cushions
 Wheelchair Foam cushions:
 inexpensive
 won't leak
very lightweight
can be cut to fit individual needs
 Disadvantage
 wear out quickly
lose shape over time
 Wheelchair Gel cushions:
 contoured for postural support
 have inserts for leg stabilization
 very comfortable
absorb less impact
 Disadvantages:
 are heavy
may leak
more expensive
Air cushions
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inflate to users specific needs
are lightweight
distribute pressure evenly
can be modified
are waterproof
Less expensive
 Disadvantages;
 may leak or puncture
 higher maintenance
Electric Wheelchairs
 Electric wheelchairs make use of either gears or belts, or
sometimes both.
 Power wheelchairs with belt drives are typically very quiet,
but they require more maintenance.
 Modern gear drives are fairly quiet and low-maintenance, but
they tend to wear out more quickly then belt drives, and get
noisier in the process.
MOTORIZED/POWERED WHEEL
CHAIR
 have light frames that are suitable for indoor use, but their
wheelchair frames crack, front forks bend, and wheelchair
motors die when they are used to excess in the outdoors.
 Some newer electric models even have spring suspension,
which allows a smooth ride over uneven territory.
Types of electric/power/motor wheel
chairs
 Rear-wheel drive wheelchairs: provide poor turning
capabilities in comparison to front-wheel and mid-wheel models.
 Front-wheel drive wheelchairs: provide tighter turning
functions. Most front-wheel drive wheelchairs have a slightly
lower top speed than rear-wheels because they tend to turn too
readily at high speeds.
 Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs provide the tightest turning of
all, but have a tendency to be unsteady when stopping and starting.
Mid-wheel drives have caster wheels in the rear and an extra set of
anti-tip wheels in front, which may limit their use on uneven
surfaces.
Some additional features available:
 Electric Wheelchair Power tilt - A feature that tilts the
entire seat assembly and footrests upwards to a 45-degree
angle.
 Electric Wheelchair Recliner - A feature that tilts the
seat back and raises the leg rests up horizontally.
 Both of these features provide relief and help to prevent
pressure sores.
WALKING AIDS
 Many people use wheelchairs, but they are not totally confined to
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them.
A lot of people are still able to walk with the help of a walking aid.
A walking aid is ideal for the times you want to get out of your
wheelchair for a little exercise and freedom.
They are also useful if you're visiting somewhere that isn't
wheelchair accessible.
There are various types of walking aids such as walkers, canes and
crutches.You can purchase single point canes, quad point canes,
crutches, forearm crutches, walkers, rolling walkers, and
rollators. These walking aids are all relatively lightweight and
portable.
WALKERS
Rolling Walkers
 used by people with weak legs or those who don't always require a
wheelchair.
 Rolling walkers are also often used by the elderly.
 The rolling walker is designed to provide support so the person
using it can maintain their balance and relieve their legs from some
of their weight.
 Rolling walkers are also ideal for people who are recovering from
leg or back injuries and are still a little unsteady on their feet.
When selecting a walker, keep the
following in mind:
 Size -Your wrists should meet the top of the handles of the walker, you
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shouldn't have to reach for them.
Seat Height - If your knees are bent 90 degrees or more when seated, the seat
is too low and you will have difficulty standing up.
Wheel Size - Rollators generally have four wheels. Larger wheels will allow
smooth outdoor travel, while small wheels are suited for indoors.
Accessories - Can include baskets, removable plastic trays, cup holders and
more.
Weight Support - Should support a little more than the user's weight in order
to transport items in the basket. Lightweight models will support up to 200
pounds, and heavy-duty models up to 400 pounds.
Walkers Weight - Range from 10 to 30 pounds. Heavier means more stable,
but light means easy to pack and transport.
Single-Point Canes
 known as a walking stick
 used to support your body and to help relieve some of the
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pressure off your legs.
effective for helping people with minor instability and balance
difficulties.
used by elderly and by people undergoing therapy or
rehabilitation.
prevent people from falling during walks and are often used by
seniors for this purpose.
The approximate height of your cane can be determined by
measuring the distance from your wrist to the floor when you are
standing with your arms at your sides.
they usually can't bear a person's entire body weight.
CANES
Quad-Point Canes
 has a base with four short legs that touch the ground.
 the four legs give it added stability, support and
sturdiness.
 The low bases of these types of canes offer you a lower
center of gravity for better balance.
 Most canes are made of anti corrosive, anodized
aluminum and non chip chrome and you can get grips
for their handles to protect and cushion your hands.
Axillary Crutches
 Standard crutches are usually used as temporary walking aids by
people who are recovering from an injury, surgery or are in
rehabilitation or therapy.
 Crutches are basically stick- like walking aids that help you to
support your weight, by keeping pressure off of your injured leg.
 Your arms should be straight when using crutches. This enables
you to take the weight off of your injured leg and use the crutches
as a substitute leg.
 Make sure that you don't just lean on the crutches under your
armpit.You have to use your arms to support yourself. Many
people get blisters or sore hands from the handles of crutches.
 The ends of the crutches need to be covered by rubber tips to stop you from
sliding on the floor or ground.
 Most crutches are also adjustable so you can set the height to fit your body size.
Make sure they are not set too high or too low.
 Crutches can be very tiring to use and hard maneuver so don't use them unless
it's necessary.
 Crutches are really only suitable for people who can still use one leg, or at least
put some weight on one leg.
 If both of your legs are disabled you should be using a wheelchair or rolling
walker instead.
Forearm Crutches
walking aids that are generally designed for
long term use.
They have been around for many years and are recognized as one of
the most supportive and functional types of walking aid.
They are often used by people who are mobility impaired, but can
still use their legs.
The arm cuffs allows you to use your hands without dropping the
crutches.