Gerbon Medical

A wheelchair is a chair with wheels that can assist with walking. It comes in both electric and manual folding versions. It's an essential means of mobility for the injured, sick, and disabled, including home rehabilitation, transportation, medical appointments, and outings. A wheelchair not only provides mobility for those with physical disabilities and limited mobility, but more importantly, it facilitates family members' mobility and care, allowing patients to exercise and participate in social activities. Below, we'll explain what precautions should be taken when using a wheelchair and how to maintain it.

I. What precautions should be taken when using a wheelchair?

(1) Seat width: Measure the distance between the buttocks or thighs when seated. Add 5 cm to leave 2.5 cm of clearance on each side. A seat that is too narrow makes it difficult to get in and out of the wheelchair, placing pressure on the buttocks and thighs. A seat that is too wide makes it difficult to sit firmly, making it difficult to maneuver the wheelchair, leading to fatigue in the arms and legs, and making it difficult to enter and exit doors.

(2) Seat length: Measure the horizontal distance from the back of the buttocks to the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf when seated, and subtract 6.5 cm from the result. If the seat is too short, the weight will fall primarily on the sitting bones, which can cause excessive local pressure. If the seat is too long, it will compress the sacrum, affecting local blood circulation and irritating the skin. Short seats are preferred for patients with short thighs or those with hip or knee flexion contractures.

⑶Seat Height: Measure the distance from the heel (or shoe heel) to the sacrum when sitting, and add 4 cm. When placing the footrest, the board should be at least 5 cm off the ground. If the seat is too high, the wheelchair cannot be moved to a table. If the seat is too low, the sitting bones bear too much weight.

⑷Seat Cushion: For comfort and to prevent bedsores, the wheelchair seat should be cushioned. Common cushions include foam rubber pads (5-10 cm thick) or gel pads. To prevent the seat from sagging, place a 0.6 cm thick piece of plywood under the cushion.

⑸Back Height: A higher back provides greater stability, while a lower back allows for greater upper body and limb mobility. Low back: Measure the distance from the seat to the armpit (with one or both arms extended forward), and subtract 10cm from this result. High back: Measure the actual height from the seat to the shoulder or back of the head.

⑹ Armrest height: When sitting, with the upper arms vertical and the forearms flat on the armrests, measure the height from the seat to the lower edge of the forearms, and add 2.5cm. Appropriate armrest height helps maintain correct body posture and balance, and allows the upper limbs to be placed in a comfortable position. If the armrests are too high, the upper arms are forced to rise, which can easily cause fatigue. If the armrests are too low, the upper body needs to be leaned forward to maintain balance, which can not only easily cause fatigue but also affect breathing.

⑺ Other auxiliary parts of the wheelchair: These are designed to meet the needs of special patients, such as increasing the friction surface of the handle, extending the car box, anti-vibration devices, armrests installed on the armrests, or wheelchair tables that are convenient for patients to eat and write, etc.

(8) Check the weight

Because your goal is to buy a lightweight wheelchair, choosing a lightweight wheelchair is the first requirement. A lighter wheelchair is obviously a better choice. It is not only easy to carry, but also easier to use. This means it will be easier to operate. Relatively speaking, a lighter wheelchair will be more expensive. 

(9) Check the material 

When looking for a lightweight wheelchair, you should check the material used in the wheelchair, as well as the durability of the material. More importantly, the weight of the material. The most common material is stainless steel. However, the problem with stainless steel is that it is heavy. So it is recommended to choose aluminum, although such a material will be more expensive. 

(10) Tire quality 

You should also look at the quality of the tires on the wheelchair. The wheels must be suitable for all types of surfaces so that it can be used in different places. Make sure it never becomes flat. 

(11) Pay attention to comfort 

The different characteristics of lightweight wheelchairs need to be checked. Avoid the discomfort caused by sitting in the wheelchair for a long time. It is important to make sure that the height and width of the seat are suitable for the user. It should also have cushioning material. Armrests are also essential. It should not only make the person sitting feel comfortable, but also make it convenient for the person pushing the wheelchair. 

II. How to Maintain a Wheelchair

1. First, fully understand the device, how to use it, and the functions of each button. Don't buy something and then fail to use it properly at critical moments. This is especially important when starting and stopping the wheelchair quickly, as these can be crucial in emergencies.

2. Keep the wheelchair clean and stored in a dry, ventilated place to prevent rusting.

3. Before using the wheelchair and within one month, check all bolts for looseness. If any are loose, tighten them immediately. During normal use, inspect the wheelchair every three months to ensure all components are in good condition. Check all nuts on the wheelchair (especially the nuts securing the rear axle). If any are loose, adjust and tighten them immediately.

4. Regularly check the tires, repair rotating parts, and regularly add a small amount of lubricant.

5. Sometimes, you'll inevitably get your wheelchair stained with mud or rain. Be sure to clean it clean and apply anti-rust wax. Rainwater is highly acidic, and if mud isn't cleaned promptly, it can easily cause rust on the wheelchair, which can negatively impact its appearance.

6. Maintain sufficient tire pressure and avoid contact with oil or acidic substances to prevent deterioration.

7. The wheelchair seat frame's connecting bolts are loose connections and must not be tightened.

8. For electric wheelchairs, it is important to charge the battery immediately after use to ensure it is fully charged. Do not store with a low battery. Long periods of unused electric wheelchairs can severely reduce their service life, and the longer they are idle, the more severe the battery damage. Regularly charge idle electric wheelchairs to keep the battery fully charged. Also, avoid exposure to rain and handle with care.

9. Regularly check the flexibility of the movable and rotating mechanisms and apply lubricant. If the wheel axle needs to be removed for any reason, ensure the nuts are tightened and do not loosen when reinstalling.

10. The wheelchair seat frame's connecting bolts are loose connections and must not be tightened.

For elderly individuals with lower-body disabilities or limited mobility, a wheelchair is like a second pair of feet. Many people, upon purchasing a wheelchair, generally neglect to inspect or maintain it, as long as it's functioning properly. This is a mistake. While manufacturers can guarantee the quality of a wheelchair, they can't guarantee that it will remain operational after a period of use. Therefore, to ensure optimal wheelchair performance, regular maintenance is essential.

This is a brief introduction to wheelchairs, and I hope it's helpful.