Did you know that a great deal of innovation and research in wheelchair models has been undertaken since 1983.
This was the beginning of the era of smart wheelchairs, which were automated and power controlled.
Today the medical products market actually has a host of new models to offer to anyone looking to buy a new wheelchair.
So, if you are in a position where you need to purchase one, do not get confused by the wide variety available.
Instead of paying attention to the advantages of the chairs as projected by their manufacturers, you must pay complete attention to the medical requirements of the patient for whom you are buying it.
In most cases, you will need a rehab wheelchair that is manually operated.
These are mainly intended to help your patient overcome the period of illness.
When purchasing the manual design, you must keep the following facts in mind.
If the device is going to aid a patient in recovering from his condition of illness, you must make sure that you have thorough knowledge of the patient's medical requirements that needs to met by the device.
The main factor that will help you decide which model will be best suited is the medical requirements of the patient that will be pointed out by a therapeutic expert.
He will be able to clearly point out the seating requirements of your patient.
The vertical and horizontal position of the patient is usually pre-determined using the suggestions of experts.
According to them, the best horizontal position is where the center of mass is placed right above the rear wheel axle of the chair.
The vertical position of the patient should be such that he should be able to just touch the rear wheel axle with his fingertips.
How the seat is positioned will determine how accessible the hand rim will be to the person pushing the chair.
Positioning of the seat is therefore, crucial in determining the mechanical efficiency of the device.
Depending on the height of the patient, the position of the seat must be adjusted to enhance the performance of the device while usage.
The best way to go about this would be by taking therapist along while selecting the model of the chair.
You can purchase the device after he or she has checked with the patient requirements in the form of dimensions and features of the wheelchair.
Orange County residents should be able to purchase a cost effective, light weight device, by keeping these points in mind.
Ultimately, easy operation should be the highlight feature of the model purchased.