{"id":3356,"date":"2022-08-03T14:54:35","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T14:54:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/products.dubaimobility.com\/?p=2436"},"modified":"2024-11-15T12:43:51","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T12:43:51","slug":"the-path-to-perfect-propulsion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/blog\/the-path-to-perfect-propulsion\/","title":{"rendered":"The Path to Perfect Propulsion"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Clinicians can maximise wheelchair propulsion efficiency through personalised configuration, careful selection of parts and accessories, and effective education on propulsion techniques. From the first stroke of the day to the last, the perfect wheelchair should support and empower clients to lead fulfilling lives. Contrary to popular belief, the task of issuing the perfect wheelchair does not end with the evaluation. Wheelchair efficiency should be maximised at every stage of the wheelchair delivery model to ensure client goals and quality of life are achieved.<\/p>

How a user\u2019s hand strikes, the handrim does not happen by chance. It is an accumulation of factors both within the individual\u2019s body and the chair build. From the client\u2019s posture and active shoulder range of motion to the chair\u2019s wheel size and axle position, many factors play a role in how and where the client makes contact with the wheel. Thousands of times a day, less than ideal contact with the wheel can have detrimental effects on shoulder health.<\/p>

In general, shoulder pain prevalence in wheelchair users ranges from 70% to 100%. The degree of pain and disability is directly proportional to the wheelchair user\u2019s age and time since injury. Specifically considering the effects of posture and alignment, nearly 75% of paraplegics with shoulder pain suffer from impingement syndrome. Shoulders were not meant to be weight-bearing joints. Years of transfers, weight shifts, and wheelchair propulsion inevitably take their toll. These numbers do not mean the battle for shoulder preservation is lost.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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By ensuring adequate posture and alignment of the upper extremity with the wheel, inevitable damage can be delayed, and the extent of the damage can be lessened. Mobility is not just affected by shoulder injury; mobility is significantly limited throughout surgical intervention and rehabilitation. To preserve independence and health short and long term, clients cannot afford to settle for a chair that is not perfect for them.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Configuration<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Adequate alignment of the client\u2019s body with the chair can help delay the onset of shoulder dysfunction by promoting shoulder movement through the most mechanically advantageous range. By operating the wheelchair in the optimal position, clients can go farther longer with less damage to the shoulders. Proper horizontal wheel axle positioning on the chair relative to the client\u2019s anatomy can significantly delay or prevent shoulder injury.<\/p>

When the wheel axle is placed too far back, say against the back post of the wheelchair frame<\/a>, the client must crank their arm to nearly max shoulder extension to place the hand at the starting position. Additionally, the client must produce a large amount of force at the end range of motion to overcome friction and initiate movement between the wheels and the floor. Throughout thousands of pushes, a day over many years of wheelchair use, this type of positioning and propulsion will create lasting irreparable damage to the structures of the shoulder. In addition to injury, the client, unable to produce an effective stroke, must perform more strokes to cover the same distance as a well-positioned wheelchair user in a well-configured wheelchair. And lastly, the issue of fatigue.<\/p>

Clients who needlessly work this hard for mobility find fatigue a major obstacle to achieving personal goals and quality of life. Something as simple as the position of the wheel axle on a wheelchair is so important that clinicians, mobility specialists, and suppliers are responsible for ordering a great chair and ensuring that it is truly the perfect chair for the client at delivery. Reassess axle position at delivery as a commitment to quality care. To achieve ideal horizontal wheel axle placement, the axle should be moved as far forward as possible without compromising the safety and stability of the user. More often than not, people err on the side of caution and swing in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, the default is to set the axle rearward to the back post of the chair. A chair with such a set-up can feel up to 10 lbs heavier than it weighs. Also, having the fulcrum so far back prevents even skilled wheelchair users from performing wheelchair skills, such as popping wheelies over door sills and sidewalk cracks.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The axle should be at or just in front of the shoulder. With any adjustments of this nature, anti-tippers should be used as a safety precaution. During propulsion, the shoulder will now move through a mechanically advantageous range of motion while minimising damage. In this ideal configuration, the wheelchair will feel more responsive and agile. Once wheelchair skills are learned, the client can easily raise the casters off the floor to clear obstacles they cannot propel through. The functional possibilities are endless for a motivated user in a well-configured high-performance chair.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The vertical axle position is crucial for the client\u2019s stability, shoulder health protection, and propulsion stroke efficiency. When clients sit too low in the chair, they must hike the shoulders into elevation and nearly max extension, resembling a chicken wing, in order to place the hands on the handrim at the starting position. This repeatedly applies force to the shoulder in a vulnerable and mechanically disadvantageous position and builds fatigue. On the other hand, sitting too high may make the user\u2019s top-heavy and make contacting the handrim difficult. To achieve ideal vertical axle placement, the centre of the axle should align with the tip of the client\u2019s third finger when the arms are at their side. Furthermore, when the hand is at the top of the handrim, 60-80 degrees of elbow flexion should be present.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Key parts and accessories<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Propulsion efficiency can be maximised through the client\u2019s parts and accessories to drive the chair. The pages of an order form hold opportunities and features that can make a real difference in the client\u2019s quality of life.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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One arm drive<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Clients with one-sided upper extremity dysfunction preventing bilateral wheelchair propulsion often compensate with the lower extremities to drive and steer. The one-arm drive is a more effective method of propulsion that allows the user to propel both wheels with the unaffected upper extremity. Clients can achieve forward, backward, and bilateral turning motions through two push rims on the client\u2019s functional side.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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High friction handrims<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Users with decreased hand dexterity who cannot squeeze the push rim of the wheel to propel may benefit from a high-friction grip handrail to improve responsive control of the wheel. The Air Grip from Motion Composites is a high-friction handrail solution that is safe, effective, and stylish. The handrim coating wears smooth to protect the hand and is available in vibrant colours to reflect individuality. Wheelchair gloves may be used to protect the skin from the high friction surface at high speeds.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Natural fit<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Natural Fit handgrip accessories have an oval-shaped component and a contoured thumb piece. The shape of the natural fit, paired with an appropriately configured chair, supports more ergonomic positioning of the hand and wrist during propulsion.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Move Folding Wheelchair <\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Apex Rigid Carbon Fiber Wheelchair<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Spoke guards<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If spokes are a safety concern, consider spoke guards. Spoke guards are shields placed across each wheel\u2019s spokes to protect the user\u2019s fingers. A confident propeller wastes less energy than one who is afraid to hurt their fingers during each stroke. Spoke guards can be personalized to reflect the user\u2019s personality.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Grade aid<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Users who lack the endurance and agility to ascend inclines in the community may find that grade aids or hill holders are just the tickets. When engaged, the grade aid allows the user to propel forward but blocks the chair from rolling backwards. This device can promote safety and confidence with uphill wheelchair propulsion in the community.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Propulsion technique<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Wheelchair skills are as much about the user\u2019s propels as it is about how the user propels. More often than not, in the clinic setting, it is viewed as a victory if the client can initiate movement, travel 150 feet, turn, and stop. The concern is focused on mobility and short-term safety. However, the techniques used to become a habit and can lay the groundwork for shoulder dysfunction in the future. Think about long-term safety, i.e. shoulder health, during the next wheelchair appointment.<\/p>

Have the client demonstrate propulsion down a straight path and pay close attention to how the hand strikes the push rim, releases the push rim, and the path the hand takes to reset for the next push. The following images demonstrate common propulsion patterns. The red dots demonstrate where the hand makes contact with the rim and where the hand releases. The forward arrows along the black line demonstrate the hand\u2019s path during propulsion. The reverse arrow path demonstrates the path the hand takes to recover to the starting point, a very important and often overlooked part of the stroke.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Semi-circular stroke<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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  • The stroke begins and ends across an ample amount of surface area for a longer stride<\/li>
  • Most efficient propulsion technique for level ground<\/li>
  • The stroke starts at the 10 o\u2019clock position and ends at the 2 o\u2019clock position on the wheel<\/li>
  • Recovery stroke drops down to reduce repetitive damaging forces on the shoulder<\/li>
  • Shoulder range is within a healthy, mechanically advantageous range<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    Arc stroke<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    • Most efficient propulsion stroke for travelling uphill<\/li>
    • Inefficient stroke pattern for level surfaces<\/li>
    • Often demonstrated by propellers lacking confidence or training on level ground<\/li>
    • The stroke begins at the 12 o\u2019clock position and covers a quarter or less of the push rim missing out on valuable momentum<\/li>
    • A late release point is a point of lost momentum<\/li>
    • Recovery stroke maintains constant contact with the handrim, effectively slowing down the chair<\/li>
    • Constant contact prevents the chair from rolling backwards<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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      Single loop over<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      • Inefficient and damaging stroke when used for long-term propulsion<\/li>
      • The start point only reaches the 11 o\u2019clock position missing out on valuable momentum<\/li>
      • Recovery stroke passes above the push rim, forcing the shoulder into excessive elevation and extension<\/li>
      • New and seasoned wheelchair users may default to this stroke if education is not provided<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        Observe your client\u2019s propulsion patterns, educate, and reassess. Ideally, they will self-select the semicircular stroke for general purposes and the arc stroke for uphill travel. Watch posture, shoulder movements, and hand placement. Educate clients on the dangers of poor propulsion habits. Small, mindful changes can make a world of difference in maintaining independence and shoulder health. Consider wheelchair configuration, options selected, and propulsion skills to maximise propulsion. Identify deficits and make an improvement plan. When it comes to propulsion, it\u2019s not just about going farther or faster, it\u2019s about injury prevention. For many wheelchair users, shoulder injury happens gradually over years of transfers, pressure reliefs, and propulsion. As with any care provided, the goals of wheelchair prescription are to maximise function, minimise fatigue, delay or prevent dysfunction, and maximise the quality of life. Support your clients\u2019 goals with highly adjustable ultra-lightweight wheelchairs dialled into their specific needs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Clinicians can maximise wheelchair propulsion efficiency through personalised configuration, careful selection of parts and accessories, and effective education on propulsion techniques. From the first stroke of the day to the last, the perfect wheelchair should support and empower clients to lead fulfilling lives. Contrary to popular belief, the task of issuing the perfect wheelchair does […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":27434,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wds_primary_category":0,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[386,389],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3356","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-wheelchair-advice-articles"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3356","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3356"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3356\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3356"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3356"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dubaimobility.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3356"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}