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How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair Wheelchairs allow mobility and independence to those who have limitations in walking. It is important to learn how to move your chair and get a therapist or occupational therapist to guide you in this area. Many people move their wheelchairs by using a method known as “wheelies”. This requires the user to have hands that are large enough to extend these rims, and have a strong grip to propel forward. Seating Position As the name suggests, a self propelled wheelchair lets you move your body and not rely on others. For many people, this is the most important factor to regaining or maintaining their independence. It also lowers the risk of injury to the wheelchair user as well as the people surrounding them. It is crucial that the chair seating position is comfortable for wheelchair users. There are many ways to make sure this is the case. First, ensure that the footplates are in the proper position. Release the footrest catch and then swing them round so that they are in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are comfortably placed on the footplates. It may be necessary to lower the height of the footrest especially if the person is hemiplegic. The footrests can put the pressure on the bone of the seat and cause discomfort and pain in the event that they are too high. A forehead strap can help keep the user of a wheelchair upright particularly for those with neck muscles that are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs that do not have headrests by a mobility expert. It is essential that if the wheelchair comes with armrests, they are in a good position to ensure that the wheelchair user isn't able to strike them with their arms when they move. To achieve this it is recommended to use wheelchairs that have swing away or removable armrests. In addition, foam inserts could be cut and attached to the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable height. A well-fitting wheelchair cushion is essential, particularly for those who are at high risk for skin breakdown or pressure sores. This is because pressure ulcers result from friction between the skin and the surface of a wheelchair. In some instances blisters and skin irritation may occur after sitting in one position for long periods of time. To decrease the chance of developing pressure ulcers, the wheelchair must be moved regularly. Pushing Self-propelled wheelchairs permit users to move themselves and free themselves from the need for someone else to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs since they have larger rear wheels and pushing handles fitted on the wheels. They can be used on various surfaces without fearing of slipping over obstacles or getting stuck. When you are moving forward on your chair, be careful not to grip the handle too hard. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to become cramped and reduce the force you can apply. It may also be beneficial to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves that have grip material built into the palms. This will improve the posture of your hands and increase the force you apply. Keep the front casters free of any debris, like rocks or sticks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you would think. It could cause an increase in control or injury. If you have a very high seat-to-floor height, it could be beneficial to purchase additional padding for the front casters. When going up a small step or curb it is recommended that you use a caregiver to push the wheelchair to provide assistance. If you want to try this on your own, additional training and practice is needed under the supervision of a health professional. When doing this, it is essential that you place the wheelchair directly in front of (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and then place the front wheels just before the edge of the curb. When pushing up a slope it is important to have a clear path ahead of you so that you don't cross paths with other people. If you don't have enough space ahead of you, you will accelerate quickly and might be struck by other people. To avoid this take care to be aware of the people around you when you are on a slope and have a friend or carer waiting to catch you in the event you begin to fall off your wheelchair. Braking To ensure that the wheelchair is safe the user must use the braking and steering actions in a specific way. This is especially important when the chair is on a slope, as the center of gravity could be pushed forward if the brakes are not applied in a controlled manner. Always make sure that your hand is in the proper position when pushing the wheelchair. Ideally, you should place it at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel. Release the hand at 2 o’clock (2:00). This will ensure that the majority (or weight) of the body is over the rear wheels, making it easier to push. It also helps maintain the integrity of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joint. To turn right in a wheelchair push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left rim. This causes the wheelchair to turn left and will allow you to remain in your wheelchair. Wheelchairs are also available with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards. Always consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope that your chair can traverse. In certain circumstances, the wheelchair may have to be temporarily removed and operated by hand to get over steep slopes. If this is the case, it is advised to seek assistance from a friend or relative and follow the steps outlined in the User Guide. When negotiating kerb stones it is recommended that you mount and dismount via ramps as often as you can. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres, allowing you to move over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs feature a kerb-climber option that can assist in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by about 10cm (4”) To stop a wheelchair, pull the joystick inward towards you to loosen the clutch on the motor and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can remove the footrests or prepare walking aids before safely exiting the chair. Steering The user is responsible for controlling and steering the wheelchair. This can be done in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs vary in design as well as in size and weight. The size of the front casters, for instance can determine the kind of terrain a wheelchair is able to manage. Small casters allow a wheelchair to move more quickly, but it can be difficult on rough surfaces like cobblestone or grass. Large casters let wheelchairs to move over rough surfaces, but it isn't as fast. On smooth surface that is level the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing them evenly with each hand. Hands shouldn't be wrapped tightly around the rims of the hand as this can cause injuries and lead to over-corrections when the chair makes around. It is recommended that wheelchair users play with different levels of leaning both forwards and backwards to find the best balance between control and lean. For self propelled wheelchair with suspension or difficult terrain, the wheelchair user should plan ahead and anticipate obstacles. The user of the wheelchair should keep an eye on both shoulders to avoid hitting objects or people. If they travel with a caregiver they should be prepared to assist when needed. If the wheelchair will be used on a steep slope, a caregiver should assist or drive it until the user is comfortable. To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. It is recommended to practice on a flat, smooth surface prior to moving onto other surface. The motion could be uncomfortable and the chair could tip over if it is not properly mastered. If the wheelchair has power wheels, this can relieve some pressure off the user and makes turning much easier. It is also helpful to be aware that good-hearted but untrained strangers can try to push a person who is in wheelchair against their will, which is why the wheelchair user should make sure that their attendant handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.