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Sarah Williams Volf is a native of Wales and came to Challenge Aspen in 2001 After serving as the Recreation Educational Cultural REC Programs Director for a number of years Sarah now spearheads the newest division of…
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What are the risks of sitting in a wheelchair for an extended period?
One problem related to sitting in a wheelchair for extended periods is bad posture. When you are seated you are in a flexed position, this causes the spine to curve forward. You may also have more muscle strength on one side or the other and this can pull you into a sideways curve. Over long periods of time this can cause pain and some people may become stuck in that posture.
Another problem that is related to improper seating is pressure sores. They are usually caused by sitting in on position for too long and when more weight is placed on one side than the other. When a change in position doe not occur and the blood supply gets low a sore may form.
Some damage may be mild and some pressure sores can be serious. We have witnessed participants with both cases at Challenge Aspen and this is a very uncomfortable condition. The most important way to prevent pressure sores is to avoid prolonged pressure on one part of you r body. Selecting a good seating system is imperative to ensure good support and protection of soft tissues for those that are unable to change position or have reduces sensation. The system must be compatible with your wheelchair of choice.
As always selection should be based upon consultation with rehabilitation professionals.
Sarah
Another problem that is related to improper seating is pressure sores. They are usually caused by sitting in on position for too long and when more weight is placed on one side than the other. When a change in position doe not occur and the blood supply gets low a sore may form.
Some damage may be mild and some pressure sores can be serious. We have witnessed participants with both cases at Challenge Aspen and this is a very uncomfortable condition. The most important way to prevent pressure sores is to avoid prolonged pressure on one part of you r body. Selecting a good seating system is imperative to ensure good support and protection of soft tissues for those that are unable to change position or have reduces sensation. The system must be compatible with your wheelchair of choice.
As always selection should be based upon consultation with rehabilitation professionals.
Sarah
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