Designs For More Versatile Wheelchairs Are Many

Wheelchairs, used in China in the sixth century

, have changed mightily since the first designs. Once made of wood, heavy and hard to maneuver, they come in many variations to accommodate the needs of those who are unable to walk or sit in a normal manner. Changes include wheel design, seat construction, the kind of backrests and limb supports, and the means of locomotion.

The first mass-produced chairs were invented and produced by an injured miner and his inventor friend. They were collapsible, made of light-weight and strong steel, and collapsible. Since their introduction to the mass market in 1933, many changes have been made to the device.

A familiar type is the transport chair, seen in airports and used by hospitals for simple transfers of patients who are not allowed to walk for safety and insurance reasons. They have 'sling seats', or ones which are a simple piece of vinyl, have a back rest that goes up about half way along the back of the patient, and often fold together by collapsing the seat. They are designed to be pushed by an attendant and have foot rests to keep the occupant's feet off the floor.

A rigid seat, with comfortable padding, allows better circulation than the sling type, which is supported only on the sides. There are also different needs in limb support, as some patients need to keep a leg or an arm elevated, while others may want to propel themselves with their feet rather than turning the wheels by hand.

This design is neither comfortable or beneficial for long periods of sitting. A rigid seat and back are needed for proper circulation; comfortable padding can be used without harm. Proper head and neck support are also important to promote comfort and prevent fatigue and stress. The ability to move around independently is also very important for both physical land mental health.

Controls for powered chairs have seen many improvements. There are hand and foot controls, joysticks, chairs that react to head, chin, or mouth pressure, and those that are activated by breathing. Almost any injury can now be accommodated by new designs, which give the injured or ill person a greater degree on independence.

The chairs can be controlled by hand, with push buttons, with a joystick, and with custom controls geared for the abilities of the user. Some chairs can be operated with head, chin, or mouth pressure, and some by using the breath, with inhalations and puffs of air signaling for movement. Pharmacies often offer expert advice on wheelchairs, and there is much information online.

by: Dreyken Mar.

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