Adjustable Tension Back Upholstery
4
Part No 1039470
Why Use Adjustable Tension Upholstery: A Clinical
Discussion
NOTE:
For
this
procedure,
refer
to
FIGURE 2,
FIGURE 3,
and
FIGURE 4.
The
flexible
sling
upholstery
commonly
used
on
wheelchairs
allows
the
wheelchair
to
fold
without
removing
rigid
components.
Sling
upholstery
will
stretch
with
use.
Unfortunately,
stretched
upholstery
does
not
support
the
back
well.
Stretched
upholstery
often
allows
the
pelvis
to
drift
into
posterior
tilt
while
the
back
assumes
a
kyphotic
posture.
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
improvements
to
the
seated
posture
and
function
of
the
wheelchair.
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
provide
lateral
stability.
In
addition
to
restoring
the
sling
to
original
tension,
the
adjustable
tension
backrest
can
be
adjusted
to
help
maintain
the
pelvis
and
back
position,
which
can
improve
posture,
balance
and
function.
The
wheelchair
backrest
should
be
able
to
follow
the
natural
anatomical
contours
of
the
back.
When
viewing
a
person
from
the
side,
the
thoracic
portion
of
the
back
will
extend
posteriorly
to
the
pelvis
and
buttocks
(FIGURE
2).
FIGURE 2
When
using
a
non
‐
adjustable
flat
backrest,
the
top
portion
of
the
upholstery
will
usually
push
the
trunk
forward
of
the
center
of
gravity
over
the
pelvis.
To
maintain
the
trunk
in
the
upright
posture,
the
user
must
have
and
use
the
back
extensor
musculature,
or
add
tilt
or
recline
to
backrest
(FIGURE
3).
FIGURE 3
