For those that require a wheelchair to get around due to a disease or condition, there is a wide variety of mobility devices available. One of these is a manual tilt in space wheelchair, which as the name suggests allows the user to tilt their chair to help with positioning and posture issues.
How do you adjust the tilt on a space wheelchair?
The main advantage of a manual tilt in space wheelchairs is that it allows a greater range of movement to the body by shifting the centre of gravity, which can be beneficial for many conditions including pressure injuries. Typically, the tilt is limited to between 30 and 45 degrees, which is enough for pressure relief, posture correction and to redistribute the pressure across the seat area.
However, it should be noted that this tilting mechanism can potentially shift a person’s centre of gravity and thereby cause the chair to tip, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous in some cases. This is an important consideration for those that rely on these specialist chairs and should always be monitored by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist trained in seating and mobility services.
Another key feature of a tilt in space chair is that they can often be used to assist with posture, and they are available in both rigid or folding models, allowing them to be a suitable option for different lifestyles. They may also be fitted with a wide array of accessories and customization options such as headrests, lateral supports, pelvic belts, and positioning cushions to support specific needs.
