APT Free Seminar: Manual Wheelchairs - From Materials to Measurements
Mulgrave Country Club, Cnr Jells & Wellington Roads, Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150
The morning session will start with a review of how various materials are used and combined in manual wheelchairs. Materials such as plastics, steel, aluminium, titanium, and carbon fibre will be reviewed. Groups will break out and get hands on time with wheelchairs to measure both the chair and an individual’s fit within the chair.
All Day Session: 9:00am to 3:30pm
APT Free Seminar: Manual Wheelchairs - From Materials to Measurements
For individuals who self-propel a wheelchair, clinical practice guidelines recommend providing a manual wheelchair that is durable, lightweight, and fit to the person’s exact dimensions. The wheelchair materials, as well as a fit that matches the person’s dimensions and abilities, have a direct impact on the patients’ health, functional performance, and overall quality of life.
In today’s world, there is a wide array of choices which can make the equipment selection process daunting. Clinical decision making should include a more in depth understanding of the materials that make up the equipment selected.
The morning session will start with a review of how various materials are used and combined in manual wheelchairs. Materials such as plastics, steel, aluminium, titanium, and carbon fibre will be reviewed. Following this, the course will review fitting techniques in a manual wheelchair in all dimensions (length, width, height, wheelbase, functional footprint) and will include specific examples of setting front and rear seat height, frame depth, and seat width. Computer generated models will be used to provide concrete dimensions of poor vs. proper fitting.
Groups will break out and get hands on time with wheelchairs to measure both the chair and an individual’s fit within the chair. Lastly, the options for power assist will be reviewed with time to discuss the pros and cons of each device.
By the end of this course, clinicians will have an improved ability to recognise different materials associated with ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs, demonstrate understanding of how Tilite wheelchairs are measured, and how an individual’s fit to the wheelchair and access to power assist devices may impact safety, shoulder health, and function.
*Plan on wearing comfortable clothes that can be used to move around – many of the wheelchair measurements are easiest when taken from the floor level. If possible, please bring a (non-fabric) measuring tape or meter stick that can measure inches.
Lunch and refreshments are provided. Please email training@aidacare.com.au if you have any dietary requirements.
