Manual Wheelchairs
Posted on 16. Feb, 2009 by Dave in Manual Wheelchairs
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Manual wheelchairs are wheelchairs that are propelled without the use of an accessory power device such as a battery or electric circuitry. Manual wheelchairs can be made of steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber, making them lighter than their more sophisticated counterparts. Manual wheelchairs can be classified according to function and structure.
Manual Wheelchairs by Structure
Rigid Frame Wheelchairs
Rigid frame wheelchairs have a welded frame that supports the seat of the wheelchair. They usually made of aluminum or titanium and have a back that can be folded.
Folding Frame Wheelchairs
Folding Frame wheelchairs have collapsible sides because of an x-frame. The wheelchair has a lock to keep it in place. The wheelchair folds when the locks are released. Folding frame wheelchairs are heavier than rigid frames because they have the x-mechanism, reinforcing struts and locking levers. They are still commonly made of titanium or aluminum. They are, however, not as durable as rigid frame wheelchairs due to its many moving parts. More maintenance is therefore necessary for folding frame wheelchairs.
Manual Wheelchairs by Use
Sports Chairs
These are the most popular types of manual chairs in persons who have sufficient upper body strength to propel their chairs themselves. Manual sports chairs are typically used by active persons such as wheelchair athletes.
Standard Manual Wheelchairs
Standard manual wheelchairs are characterized by cross-brace frames and built-in and removable arm rests. They may also have swing-away footrests, a high back rest and push handles.
Child Chairs
These are small enough to be used by children and usually come in kiddie-friendly colors and designs. Child chairs came about due to the growing sensitivity to the need of disabled children to fit the classroom environment, where they are often more conspicuous when seated in large, adult wheelchairs.
Specialty Manual Chairs
These are manual chairs that are fitted according to the individual needs of the user. An example is the Hemi chair, which is built lower than the usual wheelchair and allows the user to use his legs to propel the chair forward. Other types are over-sized chairs to accommodate large-sized people as well as three-wheeled, lightweight racing chairs that athletes use during marathons.
Nursing Chairs
The last classification of manual wheelchairs according to use, the nursing chair is designed for transport only. It is used for the temporary transport of persons in nursing institutions, hospitals, department or grocery stores and airports.
