Starting your journey as a new wheelchair user can feel daunting, but building essential wheelchair skills doesn't have to be. These skills are the foundation for greater independence, improved mobility, and boosted self-confidence, and with enough practice and the right techniques, you’ll find navigating daily life easier and more empowering. In this guide, we’ll introduce the key skills to make the most out of your new PMA in Singapore so you can fully take back control of your daily life and avoid various wheelchair-related risks.
Building a Strong Foundation: Mastering the Basics
Before tackling more advanced wheelchair skills, it’s essential to become confident in fundamental manoeuvres. These core techniques lay the groundwork for safe and efficient wheelchair use:
1. Moving Forward and Backward
Start by propelling your wheelchair forward and backwards using the handrims. Focus on finding a comfortable grip and maintaining a consistent rhythm. This practice helps you build the muscle memory and strength required for seamless navigation.
2. Controlled Stopping
Practice bringing your wheelchair to a smooth and gradual stop. Abrupt stops can lead to tipping or instability, so focus on applying even pressure to decelerate safely. This skill is especially important when navigating slopes or uneven terrain.
3. Turning
Master both tight and wide turns. Tight turns are crucial for manoeuvring through narrow spaces like doorways, while wide turns are useful in open areas. Remember to distribute your weight evenly to maintain balance during the turn.
Advanced Wheelchair Maneuvering
Once you’ve mastered the foundational wheelchair skills, you can move on to these advanced techniques. They’re crucial for expanding your independence and tackling everyday challenges with confidence.
4. Safely Picking Up Objects from the Ground
Accidents often happen when wheelchair users attempt to retrieve dropped items. To safely pick up objects from the floor:
- Positioning matters: Lock your wheelchair brakes and ensure you’re on a stable surface.
- Leverage support: Lean forward gradually, using one hand to brace yourself on your thigh or wheelchair frame to maintain balance.
- Move footrests out of the way: This makes it safer to lean and bend forward as you can place your feet on the ground for improved stability.
Alternatively, use tools like a reacher or grabber to make this process safer and reduce strain on your body. These precautions help minimise the risk of falls and strain injuries while reaching for items.
5. Propulsion Techniques
Using any of the four common proper propulsion techniques is vital for conserving energy and protecting your shoulders. These include:
- Semicircular Propulsion: This technique is often considered the most energy-efficient for level ground. The propulsion phase begins at the topmost part of the handrims, and the hands follow a curved path, forming a semi-circle. During the recovery phase, the hands drop below the handrims and return to the topmost area, repeating the cycle.
- Single Loop-Over Propulsion: Starting from a position slightly behind the topmost point (around the 11 o'clock position), the hands follow a looped path during the push phase. The distinctive feature of this technique is the recovery phase, where the hands lift above the handrims before returning to the original position.
- Double Loop-Over Propulsion: Similar to the single loop-over but more complex, this technique involves the hands rising above the handrims during the recovery phase, then crossing over and dropping below the rim before returning.
- Arc Propulsion: In this method, the hands start at the topmost position of the handrims and trace a small arc, typically covering a quarter circle or less. The recovery phase brings the hands back to the original position along the same arc. This method is ideal for uphill propulsion as it prevents the wheelchair from slipping backwards.
For powered options, such as the Black Diamond Electric Wheelchair, propulsion becomes a seamless experience. Designed for superior stability and manoeuvrability, this electric wheelchair offers smooth navigation, especially on uneven terrains or slopes.
6. Transfers Between the Floor and Wheelchair
Knowing how to transfer safely between the floor and your wheelchair empowers you to handle unexpected situations or enjoy floor-level activities. Here’s a basic guide:
- Start with preparation: Ensure your wheelchair is stable and the brakes are engaged. If needed, use a cushion or mat to protect your knees.
- Use proper technique: Shift to the floor using a controlled slide or pivot manoeuvre, keeping your core engaged to maintain balance.
- Practice makes perfect: Repeated practice with the supervision of a physical therapist or trainer can help you perfect this skill and avoid injuries during independent transfers.
7. Opening Doors Without Assistance
Navigating doors without automatic openers requires a mix of timing, positioning, and strength. Approach the door at an angle, positioning the front wheels slightly forward. Use one hand to push or pull the door while using the other to stabilise the wheelchair against the doorframe. Practice is essential for mastering this skill, as it allows for more seamless entry into buildings or rooms.
Some users find assistive devices, like door openers or handles, helpful in reducing physical effort.
8. Performing a Wheelie
The wheelie is a foundational skill for navigating curbs, uneven surfaces, and small obstacles. To perform a wheelie:
1. Start on a flat surface with your hands gripping the handrims.
2. Propel forward slightly, then pull back quickly to tilt the front wheels upward.
3. Balance by making small forward and backward adjustments with the handrims.
This skill requires extensive practice to build the muscle memory and confidence needed to maintain stability. Begin in a controlled environment with supervision or support to avoid tipping over. Once mastered, a wheelie can dramatically increase your ability to navigate tricky terrains.
Conclusion
Learning the skills above is a journey that empowers new wheelchair users to embrace independence and navigate the world with confidence. With consistent practice and a patient, step-by-step approach, you can master these manoeuvres in no time.
Whether you're upgrading your current mobility aid or exploring new options, we at Falcon Mobility (rebranding to ELFIGO) have something for everyone. Our Black Diamond Electric Wheelchair combines cutting-edge technology with superior performance to meet the needs of diverse users. From dependable walkers and rollators to advanced electric wheelchairs, we provide a wide range of personal mobility solutions tailored to your lifestyle.