For many people with disabilities, a wheelchair is vital. The purchase of such rehabilitation equipment allows such people to lead an active lifestyle. Sometimes people with disabilities refuse to use a wheelchair, complaining of discomfort when moving. The reason for this may be the wrong choice of rehabilitation equipment. Wheelchairs have different purposes. To facilitate the task of choosing such equipment, the editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" prepared a review of the best wheelchairs for 2020, compiled from the reviews of professional doctors and people with problems of the musculoskeletal system.
Content
Types of means for moving people with disabilities
All equipment for rehabilitation purposes of this type are subdivided into the following types:
- Gurneys;
- Wheelchairs.
The first option is more common in medical facilities for the movement of people with a temporary loss of mobility. This equipment is appreciated for its ease of use and maintenance, durability, and durability. The patient's stay in the gurney should not exceed 3 hours, which is a significant limitation and creates a lot of inconvenience. For home use, many people prefer to purchase the second option of rehabilitation equipment. A person will be able to move in it without outside help. Management of such a tool is simple and convenient. The configuration of these vehicles is an orthopedic chair equipped with wheels. Equipment of this type is equipped with various options to make the operation more comfortable.
Stroller chairs are divided into the following types:
- Classic;
- For active use;
- Lever;
- Electric drive;
- Baby.
The classic version is equipped with 2 large and 2 small wheels, which ensure the maneuverability of the vehicle. The basic configuration includes a removable, removable-folding or non-removable footrest. Modern vehicles for people with disabilities are equipped with headrests and armrests. Such equipment is controlled manually. The travel speed depends on the force applied to the rotation of the large wheels.
For people who prefer to lead an active lifestyle, they acquire maneuverable, improved models that are lightweight. With the help of such products, people with disabilities can travel long distances or go hiking in the mountains. Such equipment is often made according to an individual order for a specific person. The cost of such products is quite high.
Models equipped with lever-type controls are reminiscent of the classic version. The wheels can be set in motion, braking can be performed using the forward movements of the lever mechanisms. Such a wheelchair is suitable for people with developed arm muscles. This equipment can be equipped with 1 or 2 levers. It is designed for long walks on uneven road surfaces.
Electrically powered wheelchairs are characterized by automatic control, which is carried out using a joystick built into the armrest of the product. The automation of the process is ensured by rechargeable batteries. Such a mobile modern complex allows speeds up to 15 km / h. If the stroller with an electric drive is equipped with an adjustment of the angle of the back and armrests, there are adjustable footrests, headrests, a verticalizer or other additional accessories, then the cost of the product can reach the price of a car.
Children with cerebral palsy acquire specialized wheelchairs that are not designed to operate a wheelchair on their own. The appearance of such a product is developed in a design close to a conventional baby stroller, so as not to inconvenience parents and less attract the attention of people around. The complete set of such equipment includes additional straps for fixing, an abduction-type pillow and a hood.
What parameters of a wheelchair should be considered when buying
When choosing rehabilitation equipment for people with disabilities, you should focus on the following points:
- Carrying capacity;
- Overall width of the product;
- Depth, breadth and height of the seating position;
- Backrest height parameter;
- Armrest level;
- Wheels;
- Frame;
- Weight;
- Back of the product;
- Appointment of rehabilitation equipment.
The weight of the handicapped person and the maximum carrying capacity of the transport vehicle must match. For overweight people, it makes sense to purchase specialized models. This will increase the durability of the product, ease of use and human safety. When the owner of the equipment lives in a multi-storey building, it is worth paying special attention to the overall width of the stroller to ensure it passes through doorways and elevator doors.
The biggest mistake when choosing a wheelchair is insufficient attention to the width of the seat. With insufficient width, it will be inconvenient for a person to turn the body, which will reduce his mobility. Giving preference to an excessively wide seat will also be the wrong decision. Moving around in such a device will negatively affect the fixation of the back and hip. It will be uncomfortable to operate such a stroller. In addition, the use of such equipment leads to a curvature of the spine and problems in the hip region. To correctly calculate the width of the seat, the user's hip width is measured, after which it is added to the obtained indicator 5 cm.If a person plans to use a wheelchair on the street, one more indicator must be added to the calculation - the thickness of the outerwear. With the right choice of a stroller in the width of the seat, between the rider's thighs and the side rails of the seat, it will be possible to place a palm or a thin book vertically on both sides.
In order to properly distribute the load on the patient's buttocks and thighs and to avoid the appearance of pressure ulcers, it is necessary to carefully choose the length from the front edge to the back of the product. Determining the required depth of the footprint is not difficult. To do this, measure the distance in a sitting position from the knee to the edge of the thigh. Subtract 5-7 cm from the resulting indicator.
To avoid excessive pressure on the popliteal region and pelvis, it is necessary to correctly select the height of the vehicle seat. The required parameter is determined by measuring the distance from the knees to the heels. It is necessary to add 5 cm to the result obtained. Sometimes a person with problems of the musculoskeletal system prefers to use an anti-decubitus pillow for the orthopedic effect. Its height is also required to be included in the calculations.
The height of the backrest is selected individually for each patient. This parameter depends entirely on the physical condition of the patient.The comfort of a person with disabilities depends on the correct selection of the height of the armrests. Excessively raised armrests will cause muscle fatigue, and too low a seating position of this element of the wheelchair will prevent the patient from assuming a comfortable position. The person will be forced to slouch, which will negatively affect his balance during movement, and also complicate the breathing process. Most of the rehabilitation equipment is produced with adjustable armrests in a certain interval, which makes it possible to provide maximum comfort to the user. When purchasing a product with a fixed option, you should pay close attention to this indicator.
Wheels in a wheelchair can be solid or pneumatic. Using such equipment at home, you can limit yourself to wear-resistant, low-maintenance, solid tires. For outdoor walks, it is better to purchase a product with pneumatic tires. They provide optimal traction on uneven road surfaces. Such tires need to be periodically inflated, and in case of damage they have to be replaced.
Most wheelchairs are made of metal alloy. If a person with a large weight will be using the rehabilitation equipment, then it is better to give preference to a reinforced frame, since it provides a large carrying capacity. The frame of lightweight models can be made of aluminum alloy. Reducing weight allows the accompanying person to spend less effort when moving. The disadvantage of lightweight models is the high cost of products. The folding frame of such equipment makes wheelchairs more convenient to transport and store.
The presence of a back with an increased height will reduce the load on the spine and the musculo-ligamentous apparatus of the back, as well as avoid the negative consequences of a prolonged sitting position. Some models allow the recline to be reclined up to parallel to the state surface. The footrests move upwards. If necessary, a person with disabilities will be able to take a horizontal position and relax comfortably.
Wheelchairs are also subdivided according to the type of purpose. Such products are selected:
- For home;
- For the street;
- Universal;
- For kids;
- Adults;
- For medical institutions (sanitary);
- High back.
Your doctor will help you choose the right rehabilitation equipment. He will be able to give recommendations, taking into account the physiological characteristics of a person with disabilities.
Wheelchair ranking for 2020
To choose the right rehabilitation equipment, you need to read user reviews and study the recommendations of specialists. For these purposes, the editors of "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have compiled a small overview of the best models in 2020.
With electric drive
Inkar-M KAR-4.1
This manual and electrically powered vehicle is designed for independent movement indoors and outdoors for people with musculoskeletal problems. The frame of this product is made of high-strength, thin-walled, steel tubes. They are treated with an anti-corrosion compound. The brake system is of the lever type. The back of the stroller is foldable. It is equipped with a locking mechanism. Traction batteries serve as a power source. The wheelchair frame folds upright. The width of the rehabilitation equipment "Inkar-M KAR-4.1" allows a person with disabilities to enter the passenger elevator. The carrying capacity is 120 kg. Travel speed - up to 6 km / h, weight - 53 kg. Seat width - 50 cm. Without recharging the battery, the user can cover 35 km. The cost of the product is 239,400 rubles.
Advantages:
- Compactness;
- Passability;
- Design;
- Adjustment of all parameters;
- Maneuverability;
- Strength;
- Durability;
- Functionality;
- Ease of use.
Disadvantages:
- Cost.
Sunrise Medical Rumba
The disabled vehicle of the German manufacturer is compact and versatile. It is made for the independent movement of people with musculoskeletal disorders around the house and outside it, but on a surface characterized by an even smooth surface. Easily removable backrest, retractable batteries, folding frame allow for easy transportation. The heaviest part of the wheelchair is 37.4 kg. The width of the seat and backrest can be adjusted. The armrests are adjustable in height and width. The folding footrests can be removed or adjusted in height. Multifunctional controller and sensitive joystick, located on the right or left side, provide easy movement control and smooth control of the device. The wheels of the wheelchair are pneumatic. This allows you to move comfortably on any surfaces. Without additional recharging, rehabilitation equipment can cover a distance of up to 25 km at a speed of 6 km / h. The lift angle of the sidecar is 10 degrees, the carrying capacity is 125 kg. The motors have the ability to switch to manual control. The dimensions of the rehabilitation equipment are 42x43x43 cm, and the weight is 75 kg. The cost of the product is 148,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- Adjustable backrest, footrests, armrests and seat;
- Design;
- Weight;
- Movement control;
- The ability to customize to the individual needs of the patient;
- Passability;
- Traction of wheels with road surface;
- Quality;
- Durability;
- Dirt protection;
- Anti-tipping device;
- Speed indicator on the control panel;
- Sound signal;
- Ease of transportation;
- Turning radius.
Disadvantages:
- Cost.
Mega Optim FS101A
This wheelchair is equipped with an electric drive and is intended for movement of persons with partial or complete loss of the ability to move in the usual way. Such equipment can be used for moving around the house, on garden paths or smooth surfaces around the building. The product has a lifting capacity of 100 kg. It is equipped with fold-down armrests and footrests, anti-roll bar, fold-down backrest, push handles, battery level indicator, remote control and seat belt. The dimensions of the electric wheelchair are 117x92.5x50 cm. The seat width is 42 cm, the height from the floor to the seat is 50 cm. The maximum lifting angle is 12 degrees. On a wheelchair without additional recharging, you can cover 20 km at a speed of 6 km / h. The weight of the equipment is 41 kg. The cost of the product is 55,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Weight;
- Maneuverability;
- Convenience;
- Reliability;
- Ease of transportation;
- Design;
- Control;
- Parking brakes;
- Safety;
- Quality;
- Cost.
Disadvantages:
- Power reserve;
- Battery power.
Mechanically driven
Armed 2500
A mechanical stroller of this type is a budget option for moving indoors. The model is equipped with solid cast wheels. The product is suitable for people with different complexions. It has a light weight of only 16.7 kg. The frame can be folded in the standard way along the vertical axis. Removable folding footrests provide additional comfort for people with disabilities. There is a pocket on the back of the stroller. It can accommodate various things that the patient may need. Wide strap secures your shins securely. The seat upholstery is made from durable, breathable nylon, which is easy to maintain. The patient can move independently or with the help of an accompanying person. Convenient rubberized handles will make the walk comfortable and will not get tired of the accompanying hands. The stroller is equipped with parking brake levers on both sides. The dimensions of the disabled device are 102x61x89 cm, and when folded - 102x29x89 cm.The cost of the product is 4,890 rubles.
Advantages:
- Convenience;
- Braking mechanisms;
- Rims on wheels;
- Compactness;
- Maneuverability;
- Anti-tipping device;
- Design;
- Simplicity of care;
- Convenience of transportation;
- Safety.
Disadvantages:
- The fineness of the foam seat;
- Passability;
- Fixed armrests;
- Cost.
Ortonica Base 130
This rehabilitation equipment from a Chinese manufacturer can be used as a stroller and room stroller. The product is equipped with removable armrests, height-adjustable footrests, foot support straps, a pocket for small things. Thanks to its compactness and maneuverability, using this equipment, you can drive even in narrow aisles. Such a device is easy to transport, since it takes up little space when folded. The frame is made of aluminum. The wheelchair has a parking brake. Product dimensions do not exceed 106x68.5x91 cm, and when folded - 106x31x91 cm. The weight of the stroller is 18.6 kg. The lifting capacity of this equipment is 130 kg. The back height is 40 cm and the tilt angle is 90 degrees. The cost of the product is 13,100 rubles.
Advantages:
- Versatility;
- Number of adjustments;
- Rubberized rims;
- Convenience;
- Reliability;
- Design;
- Safety;
- Maneuverability;
- Ease of transportation;
- Weight;
- Quality;
- Functionality.
Disadvantages:
- Metal softness;
- Cost.
Trives CA905
This rehabilitation equipment is intended for patients with partial loss of function of the musculoskeletal system, for movement on the street, in a hospital or at home. The durable chrome-plated surface of the product ensures reliability, durability and safety when moving. Such a chair is easy to transport, since it can be folded or unfolded without using additional tools. Parking brake levers are located on both sides. The kit includes:
- User's manual;
- Wheelchair;
- Universal key for adjusting the length of the footrests, tightening the fasteners.
The lightweight aluminum construction makes it easy to operate. Wear-resistant material is used for the seat and backrest. The frame has a protective enamel coating. We recommend using water, neutral detergent for cleaning. It is better to refuse the use of solvents, abrasive substances when caring for a wheelchair. The dimensions of the stroller are 65x93x88 cm. The carrying capacity is 120 kg, and the weight is 19 kg. The cost of the product is 12 470 rubles.
Advantages:
- Design;
- Weight;
- Durability;
- Ease of transportation;
- Additional protective coating;
- Versatility of application;
- Safety;
- Compactness;
- Maneuverability;
- Cost.
Disadvantages:
- It is not recommended to expose to direct sunlight;
- Cannot be washed with aggressive products;
- It is required to have developed arm muscles;
- Cost;
- Some people find it difficult to get used to management.
Choosing a means of transporting people with disabilities of the musculoskeletal system is not an easy task. To ensure the comfort and safety of a sick person, all the individual characteristics of the body and the specifics of the disease should be taken into account. The editors of the site hope that our review has answered some of the questions that arise when buying wheelchairs. If you have experience using the described models or more interesting options for such products, share your opinion in the comments.