Rehabilitation Science Popularization - How to Properly Use Wheelchairs for Hemiplegic Patients

Hemiplegic patients often have varying degrees of functional and sensory impairments, which bring inconvenience to their daily lives. They often need to rely on assistive devices or the help of others to complete normal life. Wheelchairs are one of the commonly used assistive tools for hemiplegic patients, so learning how to use wheelchairs correctly is a compulsory course for patients and their families. Next, let's learn together how to use a wheelchair correctly!

How to choose a wheelchair correctly?

1. Seat height: The knee joint should be flexed 90 degrees while sitting, and the distance from the heel to the popliteal fossa should be about 40-45cm

2. Seat width: Leave a gap of 2.5cm on each side of the rear buttocks when sitting

3. Seat length: When using a wheelchair, there is a 5-6.5cm gap between the popliteal fossa and the seat cushion

4. Armrest height: When sitting down, place the forearm flat on the armrest so that the elbow joint can form a 90 degree angle

5. Backrest height: Depending on the patient's upper body function, the higher the backrest, the more stable it is

6. Seat cushion: To prevent pressure sores, seat cushions can be placed on the backrest and seat

Key points for using wheelchairs

1. Understand the structure and usage instructions of wheelchairs

2. Wheelchair opening method: Place both palms on the horizontal bars on both sides of the seat and use downward force to open it; When folding up, first flip up the foot pedal, then hold both ends of the center of the seat cushion with both hands and lift it upwards at the same time

3. Check the performance of the wheelchair before use: whether the seat cushion, backrest, tires, brakes, pedals, seat belts, etc. are intact

4. Develop the habit of pulling the handbrake at any time before and after wheelchair transfer

5. Always fasten your seat belt and place your feet on the pedals while using a wheelchair to ensure patient safety

6. Choose a flat and spacious environment for transfer; Raise the slope and hold onto the handrails with both hands, leaning back; The downhill method is the same as before, the wheelchair should be reversed, slow down, and pay attention to safety

7. Wheelchair stress reduction training (long-term use of wheelchair): Every 15-20 minutes, use both upper limbs to support the body and lift the buttocks to relieve stress; For those who cannot be supported by their hands, they can tilt their torso to lift one side of their buttocks off the seat cushion. After a while, switch to lifting the other side of their buttocks and alternate between reducing pressure on their left and right buttocks