10
GENERAL GUIDELINES
PROCEDURE 1
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Reaching, Bending - Backward
WARNING
DO NOT lean over the top of the back up-
holstery. This will change your center of
gravity and may cause you to tip over.
Position wheelchair as close as possible to the de-
sired object. Point the front AND rear casters rear-
ward to create the longest possible wheelbase.
Reach back only as far as your arm will extend with-
out changing your sitting position.
Reaching, Leaning, Bending and Bending -
Forward
Position the front AND rear casters so that they
are extended as far rearward as possible and en-
gage motor locks. 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 BE-
TWEEN YOUR KNEES.
Percentage of Weight Distribution
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.
Many activities require the wheelchair user to
reach, bend and transfer in and out of the
wheelchair. These movements will cause a
change to normal balance, center of gravity,
and weight distribution of the wheelchair. To
determine and establish your particular safety
limits, practice bending, reaching and transfer-
ring activities in several combinations in the pres-
ence of a qualified healthcare professional BE-
FORE attempting active use of the wheelchair.
Proper positioning is essential for your safety.
When reaching, leaning, bending or bending
forward, it is important to use the casters as a
tool to maintain stability and balance.
Functional Reach From a Wheelchair
The approximate reach-limit values shown in the ac-
companying graphs were derived on the basis of a
sample of 91 male and 36 female wheelchair users.
Note the difference between the maximum and the
comfortable reach limits, a subjective but important con-
sideration in design.
MINIMIZE GAP
DISTANCE
2. After the wheelchair is positioned properly for
transfer, verify that the motor locks are engaged.
Refer to ENGAGING/DISENGAGING MOTOR
LOCKS in PROCEDURE 7 of this manual.
3. Shift body weight into seat with transfer.
During independent transfer, little or no seat platform will
be beneath you. Use a transfer board if at all possible.
