Made to Fit?
By Boninger, David; PN: Paraplegia News, Volume 66, Number 5, pages 16-18Publication Date: May 2012
Article discusses aspects of manual wheelchair customization. The article defines customization as a process that results in a wheelchair that is fitted to the user to facilitate better posture, ease maneuverability, and reduce the stress and strain of its propulsion. Three aspects of customization are identified: (1) the wheelchair frame, including variations in length, width, and shape; an example of frames truly built and tailored to the user given is the TiLite TiFit customized chairs; (2) the configuration of wheelchair components and look, offered by all major wheelchair manufacturers and reflected in their order forms where rehabilitation professionals can choose from chair options and components including rear wheels, handrims, casters, wheel looks, footrests, and frame colors to best meet client needs; and (3) the wheelchair setup, including axle position, seat dump, and seat-to-floor height. The author advises that ultimately, the goal should be to provide chairs that are fully customized in all three ways.
Published by: PVA Publications (Website:http://www.pvamagazines.com)
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Web Site: http://www.pva.org )
