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Wheelchair Training

Dec 31, 2010 | By Toby Pendergrass
Wheelchair Training
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

The transition from walking independently to traveling in a wheelchair is often challenging. Shopping for groceries and other daily activities that once took little physical effort require a new approach when your mode of transportation is a wheelchair. Following a few wheelchair-training tips can help ensure your comfort and safety.

Step 1

Accept only a safe fit. A wheelchair suited to your body allows you to navigate safely and reduces strain on your joints. Lower your chances of pressure ulcers by avoiding narrow seats that press into your hip bones, and ensure your footrests are elevated from the ground to prevent litter or other small obstacles from hindering your mobility.

Step 2

Evaluate your tires. Most wheelchairs feature wheels with metal spokes that resemble a bicycle tire or solid magnesium wheels, usually called mag wheels. Mag wheels typically require less care than spoked wheels but are heavier and may limit your speed, while spokes on wheelchair tires often loosen or break, which hinders your ability to travel safely. Tire size is also key, because larger tires offer a greater ability to move over difficult terrain.

Step 3

Practice forward and backward mobility. Lock your wheels prior to leaning or bending forward in a wheelchair, and never attempt to pick up an object that requires you to leave your seat. Move your wheelchair as close as possible to an object you wish to pick up from behind and only reach as far as your arm will allow without compromising your seated position. Your casters --- the small wheels at the front of a wheelchair --- should be extended away from your back tires during any forward or backward stretching.

Step 4

Take note of suspicious noise. Wheelchair tires that squeak or make noise may be out of alignment or have loose parts. If you push your wheelchair across the floor and it veers to the left or right, maintenance is needed.

Step 5

Go downhill slowly. Lessen your chance of tipping forward when traveling down a hill by shifting your body weight toward the back of your wheelchair, and keep your hands on the back tires to keep your movement at a safe speed. Slow the wheelchair's progress by applying pressure to the back wheels.

Step 6

Move uphill with caution. Prior to traveling up a hill or ramp, lower your anti-tippers, or small bars that prevent your wheelchair from tipping backwards. Leaning forward as you move up the hill reduces your chance of an accident. Some people propel up ramps with long strokes that start at the back of your larger back tires, although you may prefer to use short, faster strokes.

Tips and Warnings

  • Check your brakes periodically to ensure they are strong enough to hold your wheelchair in a fixed position on a downward slope. Lubrication can prevent brakes from becoming too stiff.
  • Avoid accidents in power wheelchairs by lowering the speed to what you can safely manage, especially when moving in reverse.

Things You'll Need

  • Wheelchair

References

Article reviewed by John Hagemann Last updated on: Dec 31, 2010

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