Invacare 1098330, 60106X144, 1101100, 1098348, 1098318, 1097049 Functional Reach From a Wheelchair

PROCEDURE 1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

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U G I E D N E E L R I A N L E

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Many activities require the wheelchair user to reach, bend and transfer in and out of the wheelchair. These movements will cause a change to the normal bal- ance, the center of gravity, and the weight distribu- tion of the wheelchair. To determine and establish your particular safety limits, practice bending, reach- ing and transferring activities in several combina- tions in the presence of a qualified healthcare pro- fessional BEFORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.

Proper positioning is essential for your safety. When reaching, leaning, or bending forward, it is important to use the front casters as a tool to maintain stability and balance.

LENGTHENING THE WHEELBASE will increase the stability and maintain standard maneuverability of the wheelchair.

SHORTENING THE WHEELBASE will increase the maneuverability and distribute additional weight onto the rear wheels.

							72
		FORWARD REACH
			(ADULTS)				64
	COMFORTABLE			MAXIMUM			61
							56
							53
							48	INCHES
							42
							40
							32
							29
							25
							16
							8
0	8	16	24	37	40	48	0

INCHES

REACHING, LEANING AND BENDING - FORWARD.

Position the front casters so that they are extended as far forward as possible and engage wheel locks.

WARNING

DO NOT attempt to reach objects if you have to move forward in the seat or pick them up from the floor by reaching down between your knees.

Example 46% 54%	103 lbs. 130 lbs.
UNOCCUPIED	OCCUPIED
SHORTENING	Rear of
THE	Wheelchair
WHEELBASE	LENGTHENING
	THE
Axle Mounting	WHEELBASE
Plate

Functional Reach From a Wheelchair

The approximate reach-limit values shown in the accom- panying graph were derived on the basis of a sample of 91 male and 36 female wheelchair users. Note the differ- ence between the maximum and the comfortable reach limits, a subjective but important consideration in design.

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