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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs offer mobility and independence for people with limitations in their walking. It is crucial to learn how to maneuver your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to train you in this area. Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as “wheelies”. The person using the wheelchair must have large hands to be able reach the rims and grip strength to propel the wheelchair forward. Seating Position Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not rely on others. For many, this is the key to getting back or maintaining their independence. It also minimises the risk of injury to both the person using the wheelchair and those around them. The user of the wheelchair should be comfortable while sitting in the chair. To ensure this, there are many options you can take. First, make sure the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and swing them to ensure they are at the front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. The footrest height may need to be reduced, particularly for those who are hemiplegic (one side of the body is more affected than the other). The footrests can increase the pressure on the seat bone and cause discomfort and pain when they are too high. A forehead strap will assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a professional in mobility. It is essential that if the chair has armrests that they are placed in the correct position to ensure that the wheelchair user does not hit them with their arms when they move. It is best to choose an armrest that is swing-away or movable armrests for this purpose. You can also add foam inserts to the back of armrests in order to raise them to the desired height. It is also important that the wheelchair has a well-fitting cushion, particularly if a person using the wheelchair is at a higher risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are caused when the skin rubs against surface of the wheelchair. In some cases skin irritation and blisters may occur after sitting in a single position for a long time. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to move their wheelchairs on their own without the need for a person to push them. They are easier to maneuver because they have larger rear wheels and push handles. lightweight self propelled wheelchairs lets them travel across a range of surfaces without having to worry about tripping or getting stuck on obstacles such as curbs or steps that are small. When you are moving forward with your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Too much pressure could cause your hands to get cramped and limit the amount of force you can use. You could also consider using wheelchair gloves or handrim covers that have grip material on the palms. This will help improve the hand's position and increase the amount of force you can apply. It is essential to keep the front casters free of debris such as sticks and rocks. This material could make it difficult to move your wheelchair in the way you expect. It could also lead to an impairment in control and/or injuries. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to put some extra padding for the front casters. If you are climbing a small step or curb, it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair for assistance. If you'd like to accomplish this on your own, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. It is essential to place the wheelchair perpendicularly (directly) facing the curb or small steps and set the front tires just before the edge. When you are pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear area ahead of you to ensure that you don't run into other people. If you don't have a clear space ahead of you, you will increase speed quickly and could be struck by other people. To help you avoid this take care to be aware of people in the vicinity when you are on a slope and have a carer or friend ready to catch you in the event that you begin to fall from your wheelchair. Braking A self-propelled wheelchair requires the user to control the braking and guiding actions in a particular manner to ensure that the chair is safe to use. This is particularly crucial when on a slope, as it is possible for the center of gravity to move forward if the braking action is not applied in a controlled manner. Always make sure that your hand is in the right position when pushing a wheelchair. Ideally you should position it at 10 hours (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand near 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, which makes it easier to push. It also helps maintain the strength of the shoulder the elbow, wrist and wrist joint. To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right hand rim and pull back on the left hand rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn right and allow you to remain in your chair. Wheelchairs also come with anti-tip bars to prevent them from tipping backwards. Check the user's guide that is included with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair is able to traverse. In some circumstances the wheelchair may need to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to conquer steep slopes. If this happens, it is recommended to seek the assistance of an individual or a relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide. When you are negotiating kerb stones, it is recommended that you take off and remount your vehicle via ramps whenever possible. This will reduce the pressure on the back and front tyres, allowing you to move faster over the kerb. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber option which can aid in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick to the side to de-clutch the motor and then gently release the brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids prior to leaving the chair. Steering When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for controlling and steering. There are numerous ways to accomplish this depending on the wheelchair structure and the additions like armrests, phone/drink holders or even a drink holder. Wheelchairs vary in structure as well as size and weight. The size of the front casters, for example can determine the kind of terrain that a wheelchair will be able to handle. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to travel over these rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as fast. The user of a wheelchair should place both hands on smooth, flat surfaces to maintain momentum. This can be done by gripping the handrims and pushing with both hands. The hands should not be encased around the hand rims as this could cause injuries and result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) when the chair turns a corner. It is advised that the wheelchair user test leaning forward and backward to different levels to find the optimal balance between leaning and control. For more difficult or difficult terrain wheelchair users must be prepared and anticipate obstacles. It is important that the user of the wheelchair look over both shoulders regularly to prevent running into objects or other people. Also, when they travel with an adult, they should make sure that they are prepared to help when needed. If the wheelchair is going to be used on an inclined slope, it must be driven or assisted by a caregiver until the user is familiar with this. To turn the wheelchair, the user has to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a smooth, flat surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the wheelchair could fall over if not mastered. If the wheelchair is equipped with power wheels, this will take some of the pressure off the user, making turning easier. It is important to be aware that strangers who are not trained are often able to force wheelchair users against their will. The wheelchair user should cover the handles or fold them inwards.