Why Weight Matters in Manual Wheelchairs

The team at Linds has committed themselves to acquiring extensive product knowledge of innovative products and ideas around the world.

Linds Rehabilitation Equipment

This presentation examines what effect the weight of the manual wheelchair has on the end user

Linds Rehab Online Events

Linds Rehabilitation Equipment online offerings

Wheelchair manufacturers often promote having the lightest wheelchairs made of the lightest materials. Does this matter? If so, how much? Understanding the benefits of a lighter manual wheelchair is important for the client and anyone involved in the prescription of manual wheelchairs. The decisions made when ordering and configuring a wheelchair will impact weight and can have a significant effect on the client’s function, independence, and safety.There are clinical practice guidelines that support the use of the lightest adjustable wheelchair available for preservation of upper limb function. There is also growing evidence indicating abandonment of wheelchairs among older adults is linked to wheelchair weight. Weight also impacts clients and/or caregivers who must lift the wheelchair for transportation and storage.It is important to consider evidence-based recommendations for wheelchair weight and configuration for anyone involved in the prescription of manual wheelchairs. Making informed decisions when ordering a wheelchair and selecting components, as well as adhering to best practice recommendations during set up, can result in functional gains for the client. Participants will have a greater understanding of the clinical evidence and best practice guidelines regarding wheelchair weight and configuration, which will help avoid and minimize common problems encountered.KEY LEARNING AREASBy the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:<ul><li>Understand the evidence of the physical and social implications of manual wheelchair weight on the end user.</li><li>Analyze two mechanisms through which the wheelchair frame influences the total weight of a manual wheelchair.</li><li>Contrast how three components can be prescribed differently, reducing the overall weight of manual wheelchairs.</li></ul>

PRESENTERS:Bianca Brady: Clinical Educator, APEX MobilityAs an Occupational Therapist, Bianca began her career in physical rehabilitation where her passion for working with neurological conditions and physical challenges that impact daily life. Bianca has worked with NSW Health as a community-based therapist to support people to achieve their goals. Her current role as a Clinical Educator for APEX Mobility brings together 15 years of experience in tailoring solutions to suit individual needs and her passion for education. She has joined the APEX Mobility team to focus her experience and skills on providing learning opportunities for seating and wheeled mobility. She remains an advocate for people who access care and support to achieve life goals with assistive technology as well as serving to provide opportunities to foster growth and learning for others.Lauren Kerr: Director of Clinical Services, Linds Rehabilitation EquipmentAs a Senior Occupational Therapist, Lauren joined the Linds team to provide product consultation support as an equipment specialist working with the Motion Composites, CG Air Cushions, PDG, NXT Seating, Seating Dynamics and Amysystem Alltrack product range. Lauren has over 15 years of clinical experience working with wheelchair prescription and intervention implementation in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, working through the spectrum from paediatric to aged care. Lauren has a passion for educating therapists in the practical applications of wheelchair assessments and intervention planning, to ensure goal setting becomes an easy and clear pathway to achieving wheelchair prescription success.

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