PRIMARY RESEARCH
HISTORY AND PRICE:
wheel chair price( mechanical)- 2500, to 18000
wheel chair price(automatic )- 40000, to 1000000
In the 18th century the first wheelchair similar in design to those available today was developed. It had large front wheels and a single wheel in back. By the 19th and 20th century wheelchairs were constructed of wood and wicker design.
In 1783, John Dawson of Bath, England, invented a wheelchair named after the town of Bath. Dawson designed a chair with two large wheels and one small one.
showed the first model with rear push wheels and small front casters. Between, 1867 to 1875, inventors added new hollow rubber wheels similar to those used on bicycles on metal rims. In 1881, the pushrims for added self-propulsion were invented
In 1900, the first spoked wheels were used on wheelchairs. In 1916, the first motorized wheelchair was manufactured
In 1932, engineer, Harry Jennings, built the first folding, tubular steel wheelchair. That was the earliest wheelchair similar to what is in modern use today.
Manual wheelchairs became much lighter and maneuverable. Many athletes who were mobility challenged pushed for more athletic models and there were many advances in the technology that was behind the motorized wheelchair.
KINDS:
Basic
Wheelchairs are durable medical equipment that include foot and leg rests, sometimes offering elevating leg rests and either full-length or desk-length arms. Seat width options are 16-, 18-, or 20-inches.
Narrow
Typically 16-inch wide seat only.
Standard
The basic model with several available features such as variable seat widths, detachable footrests, elevating leg rests, permanent arms or removable arms, full-length arms or desk-length arms.
Lightweight
These lighter chairs are made for those who travel with their chairs.
They are often upholstered in nylon and offer the optional features that the basic and standard models do.
These versatile chairs may also include the option of a quick-release wheel removal process, and/or an adjustable-height back.
Extra-Wide
Whereas other wheelchairs have a typical weight capacity of 300 lbs, the extra-wide chairs usually range from 350 to 450 maximum weight capacity.
The width options are typically in the 20-inch to 24-inch range.
Antimicrobial
There are now companies that make chairs treated with antimicrobial technology on the major patient contact surfaces.
Works continuously to slow or prevent the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria.
Upholstery may be vinyl instead of nylon.
Bariatric
Bariatric wheelchairs are typically set at 24-, 26-, 28-, or 30-inch width seats and can support up to 700 pounds.
Heavy-Duty Transport
Some chairs are built for transport and not self-propulsion. The rear wheels are typically close to 12-inches in diameter. The wheels are not meant for the person in the chair to reach and roll forwardThe may feature a back that folds down to make storage and transport much easier than other chairs.
They may also include handbrakes to give the person pushing the chair better control.
Possibly a seatbelt, and other comfort accessories like a cup holder mounted to one of the arm frames.
There may not be too many armrest choices on this style of chair. Plan on possibly only finding full-length permanent arms.
Seat width for the heavy-duty version is typically in the 20-inch to 24-inch range.
Transport wheelchairs are typically made of materials that keep them light. Even a heavy-duty transport wheelchair may only weigh around 35 pounds while still guaranteeing a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds.
Standard Transport
The slightly smaller, standard-size transport chairs are built to support people that weigh up to 300 pounds.
The back, like the heavy-duty version, folds down for easy storage.
It is more typical to find the restaurant-style armrest on these which allows the person in the wheelchair to get closer to the table.
You’ll find seat width a little slimmer than the heavy-duty version, too. Expect to see seat widths at less than 20-inches.
Since these chairs are built to support a lighter weight person, the rear wheels will be smaller, too. The rear wheels will be in the 8-inch range for many models.
Chairs in this category weigh about half as much as their heavy-duty counterparts.
Instead of steel frames, transport chairs have optional chairs made of lighter metals such as aluminum to make the chair weigh less.
There are also hybrid transport wheelchairs, where the back wheels have a quick-release mechanism that allows removal and exchange of the rear wheel style. You can use the larger, self-propulsion wheels, or switch them to the smaller transport wheels.
Recliners
Recliners are a type of heavy-duty chair also.
Typically designed to support bariatric weight classes in the 700-pound range.
They have a reclining back to open up the torso. This redistributes the person’s weight in a safer, more comfortable way.
Look for features such as the ability to change the height of the back.
There are recliner wheelchairs on the market with different seat to floor height options, too. You can find seat heights set at 15-, 16-, 17-, or 18-inches from the floor.
Pediatric
Smaller frames that typically support a maximum weight of 250 pounds.
You’ll find the seat narrower and shallower as well. They are generally around 14-inches wide and closer to 12-inches deep.
Chairs designed for children are set a little lower to the ground, so the handles in back on some chairs have the capability of telescoping so that the adult maneuvering the wheelchair can reach the handles comfortably.
MRI Chairs
Everything in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Suite needs to be made from non-magnetic materials.
Some chairs are made of PVC pipe, which is not only non-magnetic but has also shown to inhibit bacteria growth.
Typical seat and back materials are cushioned mesh sling materials.
Features such as wheel locks and folding footrests can also be found.
There are metal MRI chairs too. They are made of non-magnetic metals. Don’t feel that you need to be a chemical expert. Manufacturers stamp and prominently market MRI-safe chairs.
SITTING POSTURE:
The pelvis is the key to maintain correct posture as it dictates the position of the head, trunk and extremities for users in wheelchairs.
Good posture is characterised by:
· Straight position of head
· Physiological curvatures of sagittal plane and straight spine in coronal plane
· Well-formed chest
· Shoulders slightly backward in relation to pelvis
· Symmetrical alignment of pelvis
Modifications to posture and position are best done in small incremental changes as these allow the user to physiologically adapt to them and for the assessor to manage the progress sufficiently.
GELING IN WHEELCHAIRS:
Gel wheelchair cushions are specifically designed to provide protection and comfort with blended gels in pouches, typically attached to a foam base, allowing the cushion to conform to the pressures placed on it and help replace the consistency and support of muscles that have atrophied.
Gel cushions also offer optimal pressure relief to help protect delicate skin, and to help prevent pressure ulcer formation for long-term wheelchair users. Gel wheelchair cushions are used by people of all ages for wheelchair use as well as for office chairs and other places where sitting comfort should be optimized.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
http://www.rehabmart.com/category/gel_wheelchair_cushions.htm
https://www.verywell.com/your-transport-wheelchair-buying-guide-2318332
http://www.medifab.co.nz/knowledge-base/wheelchair-seating-and-positioning-tips
