Manual wheelchairs can be described as a chair fitted with two large and two small wheels. They are used by people who have restricted mobility in their legs or fatigue quickly when walking. Manual wheelchairs can be used independently if the occupant has sufficient upper limb strength to propel themselves forward, otherwise another person can push the chair from behind using the handles attached. Manual wheelchairs can be used as a permanent means of mobility or for temporary transportation in nursing homes, airports, hospitals, department stores and other public arenas.
Standard manual wheelchairs consist of a fold-down back support, adjustable and removable foot rests, removable arm rests, hand brakes and upholstery for back and seat support. Most are lightweight and easily manoeuverable to be transported in a vehicle.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
The type of wheelchair used in the workplace will depend on the individual's needs, abilities and the environment they are working in. There are numerous things to consider when selecting a manual wheelchair such as:
- size
- weight of chair
- weight of person using the chair
- folding or rigid frame
- rear wheel size
- type of tyre:
- solid tyres which cannot be punctured but provide less shock absorption, good for indoor use not outdoor use
- pneumatic tyres which provide good traction on wet surfaces, easy to repair but can be difficult to propel outdoors
- outdoor pneumatic tyres which are good for rugged terrain and sand but difficult to propel indoors
- positioning of brake levers
- whether a specialised pressure cushion is required
- where the chair will be used
- what type of terrain the chair will be used on
- whether the chair needs to be transported in a vehicle.
It is recommended that the assistance of a health professional be sought prior to purchasing a manual wheelchair:
There are several advantages of using a manual wheelchair as opposed to a powered wheelchair such as:
- ease of transport
- less maintenance
- no potential failure of batteries
- ease of use in small spaces
- health benefits to the individual from the exercise and ongoing use of muscles.
Several studies have shown that there is a risk associated with using manual wheelchairs in the form of overuse injuries to the upper limbs and shoulder pain. Lightweight/ sports chairs are the most frequently used chair for long-term use. They require sufficient upper body strength to manoeuvre, however provide maximum independence of movement with minimum effort.
There are a number of specialty chairs available including features such as:
- aerodynamic three wheeled chairs used in marathons or racing events
- chairs that can be propelled by one hand for people who have paralysis on one side of the body only
- hemi chairs which are lower to the floor than standard manual wheelchairs with the occupant being able to propel the chair using lower limb strength
- oversized chairs designed to accommodate larger framed individuals
- rugged chairs designed for outdoor activities.
For further information about wheelchairs and wheelchair accessories see the links below:
References
Disability SA 2008, Wheelchairs or Scooters: Selecting a manual wheelchair, Government of South Australia: Department for Families and Communities, Adelaide, viewed 5 August 2010, http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Community%20Support/Disability/Information%20sheets%20-%20Disability%20SA/Wheelchairs%20or%20Scooters-Selecting%20a%20Manual%20Wheelchair.pdf.
Emmer, G. 2006, Overuse injuries in manual wheelchair users, Liberty Rehabilitation, Melbourne, viewed 5 August 2010, <http://e-bility.com/articles/wheelchair-overuse-injuries.php>.
Karp, G. 2010, Your Choice – A Manual or Power Wheelchair, Spinlife.com Onsite Awareness Training, Columbus, viewed 5 August 2010, http://www.spinlife.com/spintips/details.cfm?k=Your-Choice---A-Manual-or-Power-Wheelchair&&a=314&c=2.
Queensland Health 2009, Features of a manual wheelchair, State Government of Queensland, Brisbane, viewed 5 August 2010, http://www.health.qld.gov.au/qscis/PDF/Equipment/Manual_Wheelchairs_features.pdf.