Otis Singleton
Electric wheelchair leg rests are designed to offer support and comfort to the user. They can be adjusted to operate at any angle, commonly between 70 and 180 degrees. The choice between an elevated or articulated leg rest depends on the user's movement requirements. Elevated leg rests are ideal for those who need to keep their legs still, as they can aid in reducing swelling and improving blood circulation. On the other hand, articulated leg rests are suitable for those who need to bend their legs frequently and offer freedom of movement. This introduction aims to provide an overview of the topic, 'How to Adjust Electric Wheelchair Leg Rests', highlighting the importance of leg rests in terms of both comfort and medical necessity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Support, comfort, and medical necessity |
| Angle | Adjustable, commonly between 70 and 180 degrees |
| Types | Elevated, articulated, motorized |
| Features | Calf pads, footplates, pivot points, automated length adjustment |
| Benefits | Reduces swelling, improves blood circulation, aids in therapy |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the purpose of leg rests
Leg rests, also known as leg supports, are an important component of a wheelchair. They serve multiple purposes, including providing support, comfort, and facilitating safe and effective transportation for the user. Leg rests can also aid in improving blood circulation, reducing swelling, and enhancing overall user comfort.
There are two main types of leg rests: elevated leg rests and articulated leg rests. Elevated leg rests are designed to support the user's legs in an elevated position, commonly at angles between 70 and 180 degrees. They are particularly useful for individuals who cannot bend their knees due to injury or medical conditions. These leg rests typically come with calf pads to provide additional support and comfort for the calves when the legs are elevated.
On the other hand, articulated leg rests extend in length as they are elevated, making them ideal for users who need to frequently bend their legs. This type of leg rest offers freedom of movement, which is beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure or those who require leg movement as part of their therapy. Articulated leg rests may also come in motorized versions, providing added convenience and ease of use.
The choice between elevated and articulated leg rests depends on the user's individual needs and medical condition. It is important to consider factors such as the required leg movement, comfort, and any specific medical requirements when selecting the appropriate type of leg rest. Leg rests play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and functionality of a wheelchair, and therefore, choosing the right type is essential to enhance the user's overall experience and well-being.
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Adjusting the leg rest angle
The leg rest angle can be adjusted manually or through powered controls. Manual adjustment typically involves physically manipulating the leg rest to the desired angle. Powered leg rests, on the other hand, allow for more independence and customisation of comfort and pressure relief levels. These leg rests are adjusted using the chair's joystick, which controls an electric actuator that replaces the traditional gas strut. This feature often comes at a higher cost due to the advanced technology required.
Articulated leg rests are a type of leg rest that extends in length as they are elevated. This feature is particularly useful for taller individuals or those who need to change the angle frequently. By adjusting the length, articulated leg rests prevent the issue of the leg rest becoming too short when elevated, ensuring the user's feet remain in a natural position.
The specific angle settings available may vary depending on the wheelchair model. Typically, leg rests can be adjusted within a range of angles, with common settings between 70 and 180 degrees. At 180 degrees, the leg rest is level with the wheelchair seat, allowing the user's legs to remain straight. Calf pads are often included to provide additional support when the leg rest is elevated.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or refer to the wheelchair's user manual for specific instructions on adjusting the leg rest angle of your electric wheelchair.
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Calf support and comfort
Additionally, articulated leg rests are worth considering. These leg rests extend in length with elevation, providing freedom of movement. They are ideal for users who frequently need to bend their legs for comfort. Articulated leg rests are available in motorized versions, making adjustments more accessible.
Another option for calf support is calf straps. These straps provide posterior support to the calf, preventing the feet from slipping off the footrests. They also aid in pressure off-loading by increasing the contact surface area. Calf straps can be thin and narrow for safety or padded and wider for enhanced comfort and pressure distribution. It is important to select the appropriate fabric and size for calf straps to ensure they meet the user's needs.
Furthermore, the Comfort Calf Protector by the Comfort Company is a specific type of calf panel designed to provide additional support and protection to the lower legs. It is made of a soft, breathable material that helps prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. This option is especially beneficial for individuals at risk of developing pressure ulcers and those with limited mobility or sensation in their legs.
When choosing a leg rest or calf support option, it is crucial to consider the user's specific needs and requirements. Consulting with a qualified therapist is recommended to ensure the selected option provides the necessary support and comfort.
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Leg rest elevation
The height of leg rests can be adjusted to suit the user's needs, and they can be set at various angles, commonly between 70 and 180 degrees. When set at 180 degrees, the leg rest is level with the wheelchair seat, allowing the user's leg to remain straight. This is especially beneficial for those with restricted knee movement. Some leg rests are designed so that the elevation and length are adjusted together to maintain a natural foot position. Others have pivot points next to the knee, eliminating the need to adjust the length with elevation.
Articulated leg rests are a different type of leg rest that extends in length with elevation, catering to users who frequently need to bend their legs. These can be motorized, allowing for easy adjustment. It is important to remember that leg rests are designed to provide freedom of movement.
When selecting a leg rest, it is crucial to consider individual needs and try out different options. The choice should be made with the input of a qualified therapist. Some leg rests come with pads for added comfort, and powered leg rests are another option to consider.
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Leg rest length adjustment
The length of the leg rest on an electric wheelchair is an important consideration, as improper adjustment can lead to discomfort and skin damage. The ideal footrest height for flat surfaces is around 1", and for rougher, uneven terrain, the height off the ground should be closer to 2".
If the footrest length is too short, the knees will be lifted off the wheelchair seat, transferring more of the user's weight to their back and buttocks, causing discomfort and potentially leading to pressure sores. Conversely, if the footrest is too low, the user's feet will not be supported, and the weight of the lower legs will be carried by the thighs at the edge of the seat, causing discomfort and potentially leading to skin damage.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that the footrest is properly adjusted to the correct length. The entire length of the back of the thighs should be in contact with the seat, and the footrest should be supporting some of the weight. For users with legs of different lengths, each footrest may need to be set at different lengths to accommodate this. Additionally, users with long legs or low seat heights may require footrests with angles of 60-70 degrees to provide adequate clearance from the ground and to facilitate maneuvering in tight spots.
Articulating leg rests are a type of leg rest that extends as they are elevated, which is beneficial for taller users or those who need to change the angle of the leg rests. This feature ensures that the leg rest adjusts in length when elevated, preventing the issue of the leg rest becoming too short when raised.
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Frequently asked questions
Leg rests can aid in reducing swelling, improving blood circulation, and enhancing comfort. They are often a medical necessity.
The height adjustment process will depend on the leg rest model. Some leg rests have a single actuator that elevates and articulates the rest. Others have depth-adjustable brackets. Refer to your product manual for specific instructions.
Electric wheelchair leg rests are commonly set at angles between 70 and 180 degrees. The angle adjustment process will depend on your leg rest model. Some leg rests have a broad articulation range, allowing for angles between 90 and 70 degrees or 100 and 65 degrees.
Some leg rests extend in length with elevation. Others require manual length adjustment before altering the elevation to ensure the feet remain in a natural position. Refer to your product manual for specific instructions.
