Angela Lu
The user of a wheelchair will undoubtedly identify the need for convenience at all times. Keeping a good posture in a wheelchair is not only about the conventional posture, but the correct posture. A good posture is akin to a body well-aligned while seated, which is a priority for everyone, but of more essence to wheelchair users.
For a good body posture in a wheelchair, the spine should sit as natural as possible, the head well-balanced over the spine, the pelvis symmetrically aligned, and the chest conforming to their natural state. Keeping a good posture when sitting in a wheelchair alleviates stress on the body, ensures comfort, reduces risk of injury during movement, aids mobility of the wheelchair, reducing the energy needed for propelling of the wheelchair (which is very vital especially for active users), and keeps the user healthy.
Below are suggestions for maintaining a good posture:
- Analyse the bio-mechanical features of the wheelchair – These features play significant roles in the wheelchair’s functionality. They include but are not limited to the size of the wheels, the ratio of weight distributed between the front and the rear wheels, the distance between the wheel axes, and the type of frames used for making the wheel. These factors can be tailored to fit the needs of each user, and according to the requirements of the user’s wheelchair. Self-propelling chairs, for instance, often come as lightweight, having a shaped seat which helps in maintaining a correct posture. The backseat height also serves its duty in keeping a well-needed posture, and this would be reviewed later.
- The pelvis should be stabilised – The pelvis is instrumental for correct posture while sitting for every human, and likewise for wheelchair users. The backseat should support and stabilise the pelvis, irrespective of the nature of the chair (it is why lightweight wheelchairs are generally recommended, as they often address this need). The chair is often designed to distribute the user’s weight, but experts suggest finding the optimal length of your seat. Check the correct depth and width of the seat size, as the former ensures that the weight of the user is evenly spread through the thighs, while the latter fixes skin damage or modification of the spine position by ensuring the pelvis does not slide to one end of the seat. Wheelchairs also come with an anatomical cushion, specific for different chairs, which serves as posture support of the seat. Ensure the right wheelchair cushion is used.
- Support feet and arms – The feet should be flat on the footrests as often as possible, either at rest or while mobile. This reduces strain of muscles and conditions the legs into a relaxing state. The footrest should often be set at an angle comfortable for the knees and ankles. There is no specific recommendation for this, as a footrest at 90 degrees, while appearing to be the ideal angle, could worsen the situation for some users. The armrest is designed to help the back and neck relax. It is advised that users support their elbows at a 90-degrees, reducing stress on the back, shoulders and neck. The shoulders should be kept at shoulder level and the neck not overly twisted.
- Maintain a ‘S’ curve of the spine – The user should ensure he or she does not slump or lean to one side. The height and width of the backseat helps in this, as they support the user’s back. If having difficulty despite noting these measures, additional back support may be needed to properly align the spine.
- The head is a main player – The head should sit upright at all times, even when walking. It has been known that keeping shoulders ‘high’ and head straight aids a good walking posture. It applies also to sitting in a wheelchair. The head should not pull forward, sideward, or backward, as any of this will twist the spine out of its natural alignment. As is the case with the spine, if the user is unable to keep the head in a central position having aligned all other body parts, additional head supports may be required.
Should you consider taking measurements before purchasing a wheelchair? Perhaps yes. Such measurements should be taken with the user seated on a hard surface (tiled floors, for instance). The user should sit in the posture he or she adopts while seated in a wheelchair, and the clothing factor should be considered during such measurement.
Poor body posture can result in varying effects – muscles could become atrophied or inflamed, limbs could experience numbness, and slumping or leaning to one side might develop in neck or head pain. All these can be prevented by selecting the best wheelchair for the user’s need.
Michael Smith is a medical writer from the UK and a content writer for a number of companies including Vertex Mobility, a wheelchair retailer in Singapore.
(** PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash)
