The Home Improvement Blog

The first wheelchair is believed to have been developed in China in the 6th century. The first major technological advances are attributed to two engineers Harry Jennings and Herbert Everest after Everest suffered a broken neck in a mining accident ion 1933. Jennings and Everest combined to create a lightweight, collapsible wheelchair. The pair launched the first mass-producers of wheelchairs. The “x brace” concept developed by the pair is still in use today.

Today’s power wheelchairs have little in common with the product that Jennings and Everest first manufactured. In fact, the inventors would be amazed with the advances that have been implemented to increase the health benefits to wheelchair users. The evolution of power-assisted wheelchairs, which feature large rear wheels that are motorized by batteries, to power wheelchairs that offer seemingly unlimited features is truly astounding.

Power wheelchairs are either lightweight or heavyweight. Lightweight chairs are built to accommodate patients who weigh up to 300 pounds. Heavyweight chairs accommodate patients who weigh more and can carry additional equipment.

Heavyweight power wheelchairs use a four-pole motor and can transport weights above 300 pounds. These chairs have many features that doubtless would astound Everest and Jennings. Heavyweight chairs provide either rear wheel drive, front wheel drive, center wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. These options were developed within the past fifteen years and more current options include the use of computerized technology.

Passive Standing Technology

Due to the growth of the industry, there is great pressure to develop standards and impose basic registration criteria for global manufacturers. In the United States, legislation entitled the Consumer Protection for Wheeled Mobility was passed in 2003. All manufacturers are required to participate in continuing education and to achieve “Assistive Technology Supplier Certification.”

The most recent advance in power wheelchairs technology enables users to achieve a passive standing position. The advantages of this welcome development offer users substantial health benefits. Some of the benefits have proven to be:

* Reduced seating pressure * Decreased bone deterioration * Bladder normalcy * Improved circulation * Improved muscular conditions * Overall improved functional conditions

These benefits and the additional comfort provided by this amazing option have made these power chairs extremely desirable. Anyone interested in a passive standing position chair should meet with a manufacturer as soon as possible.

In recent years, new seating tilt and chair level options have also helped to provide comfort to patients. Additionally, computerized systems have been added to steer, determine speed and add more precise movements to power wheelchairs. Amazing eye-motion technology now permits severely disabled patients to drive their own chairs. Power wheelchairs are truly user friendly and disabled persons can benefit from their use.

Find out more about the power wheelchair at PowerWheelchair.org. Visit us to learn what you need to know regarding getting a power wheel chair today!

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