Manual Wheelchairs: Optimizing Prescription and Set Up
Understanding the impact of rolling resistance on manual wheelchairs is important in wheelchair prescription and set up. Minimizing rolling resistance in wheelchair configuration for an individual helps to maximize efficiency of propulsion, helps to decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries, and helps to decrease the risk of sliding for individuals who foot propel. This webinar will define rolling resistance and inertia and explain the impact of the two on forward movement and maneuverability. Factors that contribute to rolling resistance will be examined and evidence related to these factors will be highlighted. These factors include the mass of the user and the wheelchair; weight distribution between the casters and rear wheel; size and type of tire and caster; air pressure/inflation; and surface over which the wheelchair is being propelled.
Understanding the impact of rolling resistance on manual wheelchairs is important in wheelchair prescription and set up. Minimizing rolling resistance in wheelchair configuration for an individual helps to maximize efficiency of propulsion, helps to decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries, and helps to decrease the risk of sliding for individuals who foot propel. This webinar will define rolling resistance and inertia and explain the impact of the two on forward movement and maneuverability. Factors that contribute to rolling resistance will be examined and evidence related to these factors will be highlighted. These factors include the mass of the user and the wheelchair; weight distribution between the casters and rear wheel; size and type of tire and caster; air pressure/inflation; and surface over which the wheelchair is being propelled.
Objectives:
- After completing this webinar, participants will be able to accurately describe at least five factors that influence the rolling resistance of a manual wheelchair.
- After completing this webinar, participants will be able to compare and contrast caster, tire and rear wheel choices with respect to rolling resistance.
- After completing this webinar, participants will be able to accurately describe the implications of wheelchair configuration and set up for three methods of independent propulsion.
Presenter:
Sheilagh Sherman, BA, BHScOT, MHM, OT Reg. (Ont.), is the Clinical Education Manager for Sunrise Medical Canada. Prior to joining Sunrise, she gained extensive clinical experience working in a variety of settings, including neurological rehabilitation, complex continuing care, and community rehabilitation. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto in 1988. Sheilagh graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy) degree from McMaster University in 1994. In 2012, Sheilagh earned a Certificate in Adult Education/Staff Training from Seneca College. Finally, she also has a Master of Health Management (MHM) degree from McMaster University after graduating in 2015.
| Language | English |
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