Invacare Adjustable Back Upholstery WHY USE Adjustable Tension Upholstery a Clinical Discussion

WARNINGS

After the adjustable back upholstery has been positioned to the end user’s individual needs, the hook and loop fasteners MUST be securely fas- tened before applying the back upholstery cover. The adjustable back should be checked whenever entering the chair to ensure that the hook and loop fasteners are securely fastened.

6.Attach back upholster cover (hook and loop fasten- ers) to the back of the adjustable back upholstery (hook and Loop fasteners).

NOTE: Hook and loop fasteners on the back upholstery cover and adjustable back MUST line-up.

7.Flip the back upholstery cover over adjustable back upholstery and secure (hook and loop fasteners) to the front of the adjustable back upholstery.

8.Lay front portion of back upholstery cover on seat with existing cushion removed.

9.Adjust slack of back upholstery cover before replac- ing existing cushion.

WHY USE ADJUSTABLE TENSION UPHOLSTERY: A CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The flexible sling upholstery commonly used on wheel- chairs allows the wheelchair to fold without removing rigid components. Sling upholstery will stretch with use. Un- fortunately,stretchedupholsterydoesnotsupporttheback well. Stretched upholstery often allows the pelvis to drift into posterior tilt while the back assumes a kyphotic pos- ture.

With the adjustable tension backrest, the sag can be taken out of the sling restoring the original tightness. Adjustable tension upholstery can also provide significant improve- ments to the seated posture and function of the wheel- chair. By changing the tension of the strap, the backrest can be adjusted to accommodate back postures such as kyphosis, lordosis, stabilize the pelvis and back, and pro- vide lateral stability.

In addition to restoring the sling to original tension, the adjustable tension backrest can be adjusted to help main- tain the pelvis and back position, which can improve pos- ture, balance and function.

Back Upholstery

Cane Handle

Phillips

Head

Screw

Locknut	Cable Tie
Button Head
Cap Screw	Axle
Frame Back Tube	Mounting
	Plate
	Tab

The wheelchair backrest should be able to follow the natu- ral anatomical contours of the back. When viewing a per- son from the side, the thoracic portion of the back will extend posteriorly to the pelvis and buttocks (FIGURE 2).

Hook and	Back Upholstery Cover	FIGURE 2
Loop	Hook and Loop
Fasteners
	Fasteners

Frame

Grommet Hole

Back Upholstery

Anchor LoopsBack Upholstery

Adjuster Straps

FIGURE 1 - REPLACING EXISTING UPHOLSTERY

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