Power Chair Configuration Considerations
Presented by Michelle L. Lange
Non-Financial: Michelle Lange has no competing non-financial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Not all power wheelchairs are created equal. This course will explain the differences between consumer-level and complex rehab technology (CRT) power wheelchairs. Clinicians need to be familiar with power wheelchair features in order to participate in the evaluation process. CRT power wheelchairs are available in front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive configurations, each of which has specific clinical advantages for an individual client. Tracking technologies improve driving efficiency by reducing course corrections and time required to move between locations. Finally, power wheelchair suspension has a number of clinical benefits for the clients we work with. These power wheelchair configuration considerations impact final equipment recommendations.
Meet your instructor
Michelle L. Lange
Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with more than 38 years of experience. She has been in private practice at Access to Independence for more than 19 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the coeditor of Seating…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. This Isn’t Your Grandma’s Wheelchair
This chapter will present definitions and clinical indicators for consumer-level and CRT-level power wheelchairs. CRT-level power wheelchairs support a wide range of seating systems and driving methods and allow for control of other features through the driving method.
2. Drive-Wheel Configuration
This chapter will present front-, mid-, and rear-wheel drive configurations. The relationship between drive-wheel position, driving efficiency, and driving method will be discussed.
3. Tracking Technologies
The chapter will present tracking technologies, which improve power wheelchair driving efficiency. Clinical benefits of this technology, and a summary of a tracking study, will be presented.
4. Suspension
This chapter will review power wheelchair suspension as a part of the wheelchair frame. Clinical benefits will be discussed.
More courses in this series
Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Determining Readiness
Michelle L. Lange
Power Chair Configuration Considerations
Michelle L. Lange
Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Power Seating
Michelle L. Lange
Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Proportional Driving Methods
Michelle L. Lange
Wheelchair Power Mobility Assessment: Nonproportional Driving Methods
Michelle L. Lange
Wheelchair Power Mobility: Mobility Training
Michelle L. Lange
Wheelchair Power Mobility: Advanced Features
Michelle L. Lange
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