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How to Self Propeller a Wheelchair Self-propelling a wheelchair can give you a new level of independence. It takes a lot of practice and proper body position to accomplish this. A proper body position requires precise grip and pushing technique. This article will focus on these skills as well as other crucial aspects of wheelchair propulsion. Hand Positioning Properly pushing a wheelchair with the hands is an important component of self-propulsion. Begin with accuracy and then move on to speed. It's also recommended to squat when pushing to improve the stability and comfort, particularly for those with upper body restrictions. The hands should be set to match the wheel's speed and to push evenly with both of them, without wrapping the thumbs around the hand-rims. This is a common omission which decreases efficiency and can increase the force required per stroke. To avoid contact with the rear wheel, the recovery path for the hands must be in an “equilateral” pendular pattern beneath the hand-rims. This helps reduce shoulder strain as well as keeping the number of strokes and the duration of each stroke to the minimum. For more difficult surfaces it is often advised that the user of a wheelchair make long strokes and a full recovery (like the hand positioning on the clock). This can help to reduce shoulder injuries due to repetitive motion, however it may also increase the burden on the shoulders. It is also possible to minimize shoulder injuries by keeping the same position while braking and propelling. If the user of a wheelchair can maintain a consistent rhythm in both actions, it will be easier to manage the forces that are applied and to adjust for differences in the terrain. On slick or muddy surfaces it is necessary to lean slightly forward while moving to stop the wheels from sinking into the ground and tipping. It is worth trying different levels of trunk lean to determine the best balance between too little and too much. As with any new skill, consistent practice will lead to increased proficiency and confidence. Wheelchair propulsion is a transformative ability for people who have mobility problems. Anyone can learn how to drive a manual wheelchair with ease provided they have the right equipment, technique and training. This entry was filed under News and included in how to use a wheelchair, how to. Foot Positioning It is crucial to ensure that the patient's feet are positioned correctly for stability. It is not recommended to have the wheelchair's feet too far apart since it makes it difficult for the wheelchair to self-propel. Sometimes it is necessary for the wheelchair to have this configuration to maneuver over difficult terrain. If the client is going up an extremely steep ramp or perhaps over some of the beautiful National Parks and beaches in the US, then the wheelchair requires wheels that can push them over to allow the user to move forward. This is achieved by placing the front wheels as shown in the photograph below. If the person is equipped with this system, they can just grasp the rims of the wheels and push them together to advance. This requires an enormous amount of upper body strength and is quite slow however it is possible and it can allow clients who might not be able down or up hills to do so. It is also crucial for the client to be competent in doing wheelies so that they can go over obstacles such as curbs or other people. In this position the client will place their left foot on top of their right foot, so that they can raise themselves up and over the obstruction. The person will then lift their right leg and push it with their left hand to cross the obstacle. This is known as the crabwalk. It is an extremely effective method to move a wheelchair across some of our most challenging terrain. They are a great choice for disabled or injured people who wish to move around without needing help. They are lightweight, portable and can be folded away so that they don't take up as much space in a home as other mobility aids take up. With the help of accessories such as the E-Motion, they are able to be converted into powerchairs, giving the user the freedom to use their chair and the added benefit of electric assistance when required. Braking The ability to self-propel a wheelchair is a valuable skill for those who have mobility issues. It allows them to maneuver many kinds of terrains and conditions independently. It also helps them build strength in their shoulders and upper arms. To propel a wheelchair forward, the user must apply pressure to the rim of their hand while pulling back on the opposite side. This pull-pull action generates momentum and pushes the wheelchair in the desired direction. You can adjust the speed of the wheelchair by applying more or lesser pressure to the wheels or using the hand brakes, in the event that they are fitted. The ideal push cycle should last at minimum three hours. This will decrease the amount of time that the shoulder is being strained, reducing the chance of injury from repetitive strain. The width and size of the back wheels can influence the speed at which a wheelchair is propelled. Smaller wheels are easier to maneuver, whereas larger wheels require more effort. Wheelchairs can also be designed with camber which aligns the rear wheels with biomechanics and enhances the stability in the lateral direction. Wheelchair users who want to improve their technique for propelling should focus on getting the correct body position, and practice in a safe space such as a empty parking lot or hall. The goal is to create long smooth strokes that allow the wheelchair to coast in between strokes. It's also important for the user to practice moving when moving, for example, weaving around objects or navigating turns. One way to practice this is by weaving through cones, and then slowly moving into straight-line motion. The more practice a person does the more comfortable it is for them to master this. Self-propelled wheelchairs can be a great device to allow people to 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 even travel. By learning the proper use of a wheelchair you will be able to continue or restore your independence and get to the place you want to be. Stability A wheelchair user who self-props the chair is able to be self-sufficient and go wherever they want to go without having to rely on others. It requires a lot of upper body strength, however it is necessary to push the wheels on flat surfaces, or even up small hills. This is why many wheelchair users choose to use an attendant controlled chair (also known by the name attendant propelled) such as the Action3 NG, or ErgoLite 2, and are driven. It is important to learn how to hold the hand rims of manual wheelchairs in a way that will ensure maximum comfort and functionality. We often see that customers who use this kind of chair tend to have their hand rims too far forward, meaning they are forced to reach further backwards using their arms. This isn't biomechanically efficient and can lead over time to shoulder strain. The ideal hand-propulsion pattern is a semicircular one in which the user alternates between the push phase of the wheelchair and the recovery phase. wheelchair self propelled folding My Mobility Scooters requires the person to push down on the casters which is accomplished with many small strokes. This push pattern also helps to strengthen the shoulder retractor muscles and maintain an active range of motion. The client should move their hands across the rims until they come into contact with the casters. This allows the user to make a few longer strokes, and minimizes the amount of friction during the recovery phase. Some wheelchair users slide their hands across the rims in a smooth arc during this time, but this isn't as efficient and can cause wear on the rims. Another important aspect of stability is the positioning of the rear wheel for self-propulsion. If the wheel is positioned too far in the rear, a wheelchair can easily slide. This can be difficult for them to maneuver around obstacles and it's not a wise choice for shoulder injuries. We must assess a client's strength, range of motion, muscle tone, and their orthopedic condition during the assessment of their seating to determine the best wheel position for them.