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How to Self Propeller a Wheelchair Learning to self propel wheelchairs opens an entire new world of independence. It requires practice and the right body posture to achieve this. Proper body positioning requires a precise grip and pushing technique. This article will concentrate on these skills as well as other important aspects of wheelchair propulsion. Hand Positioning Self-propulsion is an essential element to self-propulsion. It is recommended to begin with precision and work your way up to speed. It's also a good idea to squat when pushing to improve stability and comfort, especially for those with upper body restrictions. Hands should be placed so that they match the speed of the wheel. You should also push with both hands, not placing thumbs on hand-rims. This is a common mistake, as it reduces effectiveness and increases the force required for each stroke. The recovery path of the hands should be done in an open pendular manner below the hand-rims after each propelling cycle, in order to avoid contact with the rear wheels (a “semi-circular” recovery pattern). This reduces the strain on the shoulders, as well as limiting the number of strokes and length of each stroke to an absolute minimum. For surfaces that are more difficult to maneuver it is often recommended that the wheelchair user use long strokes with a full recovery (like the hand positioning on the clock). This can help reduce shoulder injuries caused by repetitive motion, but it can also increase the burden on the shoulders during each cycle. Using the same posture for both propelling and braking can also help to minimize shoulder injuries. If the wheelchair user can maintain a consistent pace for both of these actions, they will be able to better manage the forces and adapt to changes in terrain. On surfaces that are muddy or soft, it is often necessary to lean forward a bit while driving to stop the front wheels from sinking into ground and tumbling backwards. It is worth trying different levels of trunk lean in order to find the ideal balance between too little and too much lean. Regular practice will boost your confidence and ability. Wheelchair propulsion is a vital skill for those who suffer from mobility issues and can open up a whole world of independence. Anyone can learn to operate in a manual wheelchair easily with the proper technique, equipment and knowledge. This entry was filed under News and was tagged with how to, wheelchair. Foot Positioning The foot positioning of the user is extremely important for stability. wheelchair self propelled My Mobility Scooters is not always ideal when the wheelchair has feet that are too far apart, as this makes it very difficult to self-propel. Sometimes, it is necessary for the wheelchair to have this configuration to navigate difficult terrain. For instance, if the client is going down a very steep ramp, or even over one of our wonderful National Parks or beaches, the wheelchair needs to have wheels that can move up and over them in a manner that allows the person to move themselves forwards. This is accomplished by having the front wheels positioned in the manner shown in the photo below. If the person is equipped with this system, they can simply grasp the wheels' rims and push them together to advance. This requires the use of a lot of upper body strength and is very slow to do, but it is possible and it can allow clients who otherwise may not be able to get up or down hills achieve this. Wheelies are also necessary to allow the user to overcome obstacles such as curbs or other people. In this situation the client will put his left foot on top the right and then lift it up and over the obstruction. The person will then lift their right leg and push with their left hand to get over the obstacle. This is referred to as a crab walk, and is an efficient method to move a wheelchair across some of our more difficult terrain. They are a great choice for injured or disabled people who want to move around without needing help. They are compact, lightweight and foldable, which means they require less space than other mobility aids. With the help of accessories such as the E-Motion, they can be converted into powerchairs, giving the user the freedom to sit in their chair and the additional benefit of electrical assistance when required. Braking Self-propulsion a wheelchair is an important skill for individuals with mobility challenges. It lets them navigate various kinds of terrains and situations independently. It helps to build strength in the upper arms and shoulders. The user should push down on one side of the hand rim and pull up the opposite side to push the wheelchair forward. This push-pull action generates momentum that propels the wheelchair in the direction desired by the user. You can alter the speed of the wheelchair by applying a greater or less pressure to the wheels or using hand brakes in the event that they are fitted. Ideally, the cycle should last for three hours or more. This will reduce the amount of time the shoulder is being strained and reduces the risk of injury due to repetitive strain. The width and size of the back wheels will affect the speed that a wheelchair can be moved. Smaller wheels are easier to maneuver, whereas larger wheels require more effort. Wheelchairs can also be designed with camber, which improves the ease of pushing by aligning the rear wheels with the biomechanics of shoulders, and increasing the stability of the lateral side. Wheelchair users who wish to improve their technique for propelling should concentrate on achieving the proper body posture, and practice in a secure environment such as an empty parking lot or hall. The aim is to develop long smooth strokes that permit the wheelchair to coast in between strokes. It is also essential for the user to practice moving when moving, for example, weaving around objects or making turns. This can be achieved by weaving through cones and then moving to straight lines. The more you practice, the easier it will be. Self-propelled wheelchairs can be a great tool to help people keep active and doing things they enjoy. They can give autonomy and are a great tool to socialize, go to the cinema or even travel. If you can learn to use a wheelchair correctly, you can continue or restore your independence and get where you want to be. Stability Self-propelling wheelchairs allow wheelchairs to be independent and to go wherever they want without the need to rely on others. However, it does take an adequate amount of upper body strength to push the wheels along flat surfaces and even up small hills. This is the reason why many wheelchair users prefer to use an attendant controlled chair (also called attendant propelled) like the Action3 NG, or ErgoLite 2 and are pushed. The act of grasping the hand rims in order to move a manual wheelchair is one of the most important things to learn to do correctly to ensure optimal performance and comfort. We frequently find that people who are using this type of chair are likely to have their hand rims too far forward, which means they need to extend further backwards with their arms. This isn't biomechanically efficient and could cause shoulder strain over time. The ideal hand-propulsion technique is a semi-circular motion in which the user is switching between the push and recovery phase. The push phase requires the client to push down on the casters which is accomplished with lots of small strokes. This push pattern also helps to exercise the shoulder retractor muscles and maintain a healthy range of motion. The user should move their hands along the rims until their hands come into contact with the casters again. This allows the user to use a few longer strokes, and minimizes the amount of friction in the recovery phase. Some wheelchair users slide their hands across the rims of their wheels in a smooth arc but this technique is not as effective. It could also cause extra wear on the wheels. Another crucial aspect of stability is the positioning of the rear wheel to allow self-propulsion. If the wheel is positioned too far forward the wheelchair could easily tip. This can make it difficult for them to maneuver around obstacles, and it's not a good idea to risk shoulder injuries. It is important to evaluate a client's strength, range of motion, muscle tone and their orthopedic condition during the seating assessment in order to determine the appropriate wheel placement for them.