The Manual Handling Rules of 1992 advise making evaluations to reduce any risk of injury, including taking into account the user’s weight and that of the wheelchair, the person’s height, and the path of movement. For more on our best foldable power wheelchairs visit Everlasting Mobility.
The Best Way To Push A Wheelchair
If your mobility enables you to propel a wheelchair by yourself, you must first learn how to do it. According to studies, pushing a wheelchair can be broken down into a push phase and a recovery phase depending on how the upper-limb joint kinematics manifest themselves.
1. a) Pushing the Wheelchair
With the elbows slightly bent, both hands should be placed on the push rims at a height of roughly shoulder level. Your trunk should be upright, and your shoulders should be relaxed. Your hips and knees will extend (straighten) as you move forward, and your ankles will dorsiflex (pointing your toes up). Your ankles should be dorsiflexed, your hips and knees should be fully extended by the time you reach the end of the push phase.
2. b) The Recuperation Stage
When your hips and knees are back in place, carefully push yourself forward once more. To stay in control, keep a tight grip on the wheelchair push rims at all times.
How Can I Push a Wheelchair User in Need of Assistance?
According to research by van der Woude et al. (2002), the push phase should be carried out with a long, smooth stroke since it will need less energy from the pusher and less energy from the wheelchair user.
To put it another way, it will benefit you both if you take your time and don’t rush. If you’re used to pushing a stroller, you’re already ahead of the game while pushing a wheelchair.
If not, use the following three push techniques to protect the person in the mobility chair’s health:
1. a) Shoulders Separated
To aid in maintaining your balance and prevent muscular spasms, place your feet shoulder-width apart, one slightly in front of the other.
2. b) Bending The Elbows
As you push, your elbows should be bent to about a 90-degree angle and close to your torso. If not, you will feel your muscles aching and even have cramps.
3. c) Slightly Lean Forward
To help you shift your weight and keep your balance, you should lean slightly forward from your hips.
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