How to Adjust Medicine Wheel Chair Leg Rests
Medicine Wheel chairs are designed to provide comfort and support for individuals with mobility challenges. A critical component of a wheelchair’s comfort and functionality is the leg rests. Proper adjustment of the leg rests is crucial for promoting proper posture, preventing pressure sores, and ensuring overall comfort. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to adjust the leg rests on a Medicine Wheel wheelchair.
Understanding the Importance of Leg Rest Adjustment
Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s essential to understand why proper leg rest adjustment is so important:
- Posture and Alignment: Properly adjusted leg rests help maintain correct posture, which is vital for spinal health and preventing deformities. They support the legs at the appropriate angle, allowing the user to sit upright comfortably.
- Pressure Relief: Incorrect leg rest positioning can lead to pressure build-up on the buttocks and thighs. Adjusting the leg rests helps distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of pressure sores, a significant concern for wheelchair users.
- Comfort: Comfortable seating is essential for anyone using a wheelchair for extended periods. Properly adjusted leg rests reduce strain on the legs and back, minimizing discomfort and fatigue.
- Accessibility: Leg rests play a role in the ease with which a user can maneuver the chair, transfer in and out of the chair, and navigate various terrains.
Essential Tools and Components
While the exact tools and components may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your Medicine Wheel wheelchair, here’s a general list of what you’ll likely need:
- Wrench Set: You’ll typically need a set of wrenches (usually metric) to loosen and tighten the bolts and screws securing the leg rests.
- Screwdriver (Phillips and/or Flathead): Some models may have screws that require a screwdriver for adjustment.
- Measuring Tape: To accurately measure the height and angle of the leg rests.
- User Manual: Your wheelchair’s user manual is an invaluable resource. It provides model-specific instructions and diagrams.
- Gloves (Optional): To protect your hands.
- Assistant (Optional): Having someone assist, especially for the initial adjustments, can be helpful.
Key components to identify:
- Leg Rest Assembly: The entire structure of the leg rest, including the footplate, the leg rest itself, and the hardware that connects it to the wheelchair frame.
- Hinge Mechanism: This is the point where the leg rest connects to the wheelchair frame. It often allows for swing-away, removable, or adjustable-angle functions.
- Height Adjustment Screws/Bolts: These allow you to adjust the vertical position of the leg rests.
- Angle Adjustment Screws/Bolts: These are used to change the angle of the leg rest in relation to the seat.
- Footplate: The surface where the feet rest. It may be adjustable in terms of angle and position.
- Footplate Straps/Fasteners: These may be used to secure the feet to the footplates.
Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide
The following steps provide a general guideline for adjusting Medicine Wheel wheelchair leg rests. Always refer to your wheelchair’s user manual for specific instructions and illustrations.
1. Preparation and Safety
- Read the Manual: Start by thoroughly reviewing your wheelchair’s user manual. This will familiarize you with your specific model’s features and adjustment mechanisms.
- Park the Wheelchair: Ensure the wheelchair is parked on a level surface and that the brakes are engaged to prevent movement during adjustment.
- Gather Your Tools: Assemble all the necessary tools and keep them within easy reach.
- Consider Assistance: If you’re new to adjusting wheelchairs or have limited strength, ask a friend or family member to assist you.
2. Height Adjustment
- Locate the Height Adjustment Mechanism: This is typically found near the hinge or the point where the leg rest attaches to the wheelchair frame. It might involve screws, bolts, or a quick-release lever.
- Loosen the Fasteners: Using the appropriate wrench or screwdriver, loosen the screws or bolts that secure the leg rest’s height. Do not remove them completely, just enough to allow for movement. Some models have a quick-release lever that can be easily disengaged.
- Adjust the Height: With the fasteners loosened, gently raise or lower the leg rest to the desired height. The goal is to have the user’s thighs supported while maintaining a comfortable 90-degree angle at the knees, or as close to it as possible.
- Measure and Compare: Use the measuring tape to measure the distance from the floor to the top of the footplate on both leg rests. Ensure they are at the same height to maintain balance and even weight distribution.
- Tighten the Fasteners: Once the desired height is achieved, securely tighten the screws or bolts. If using a quick-release lever, ensure it is properly engaged and locked.
- Recheck and Fine-Tune: Have the user sit in the wheelchair and evaluate the leg rest position. Make any minor adjustments as needed to ensure comfort and support.
3. Angle Adjustment
- Locate the Angle Adjustment Mechanism: This mechanism allows you to change the angle of the leg rest in relation to the seat. It might be found near the hinge or within the leg rest’s support structure.
- Loosen the Fasteners: Similar to height adjustment, use the appropriate wrench or screwdriver to loosen the screws or bolts securing the leg rest’s angle. Do not remove them completely.
- Adjust the Angle: Adjust the angle to achieve a comfortable position for the user. The goal is to provide optimal support for the legs and feet, while also allowing for easy transfer in and out of the wheelchair.
- Consider Footplate Angle: Some footplates have adjustable angles. Adjust the footplate angle to support the feet properly. A slight upward angle may prevent the feet from sliding forward.
- Tighten the Fasteners: Once the desired angle is achieved, securely tighten the screws or bolts.
- Recheck and Fine-Tune: Have the user sit in the wheelchair and evaluate the leg rest position. Make any minor adjustments as needed.
4. Footplate Adjustment (if applicable)
- Locate the Footplate Adjustment Mechanisms: Some footplates have adjustable features, such as angle and position. These adjustments may be secured by screws, bolts, or levers.
- Adjust the Footplate Angle: Adjust the angle of the footplate to best support the user’s feet. A slight upward angle can prevent the feet from sliding forward.
- Adjust Footplate Position: Some footplates can be moved forward or backward to accommodate different leg lengths. Adjust the position to ensure the feet are comfortably supported.
- Tighten Fasteners: Once adjustments are made, securely tighten all fasteners.
- Secure Feet with Straps: If your wheelchair has footplate straps, ensure the user’s feet are securely fastened to the footplates.
5. Swing-Away or Removable Leg Rests
- Swing-Away Mechanism: Many Medicine Wheel wheelchairs feature swing-away leg rests, which allow them to be moved to the side for easier transfers. To use this feature:
- Locate the Release Mechanism: This is typically a lever or button near the hinge.
- Release the Leg Rest: Engage the release mechanism and swing the leg rest outward.
- Lock in Place (if applicable): Some models have a locking mechanism to hold the leg rest in the swing-away position.
- To return the leg rest: Swing it back into position and ensure it locks securely.
- Removable Leg Rests: Some leg rests can be completely removed from the wheelchair.
- Locate the Release Mechanism: This is typically a quick-release lever or button.
- Release the Leg Rest: Engage the release mechanism and remove the leg rest from the frame.
- Reinstall: When reinstalling, make sure the leg rest is properly aligned and securely locked in place.
6. Final Checks and Maintenance
- User Assessment: Have the user sit in the wheelchair for a while to assess the comfort and support provided by the adjusted leg rests.
- Observe for Pressure Points: Carefully check for any areas where the user might be experiencing pressure. Adjust the leg rests as needed to alleviate any pressure points.
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically inspect the leg rests for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose screws, worn footplates, or damaged components.
- Lubrication: Apply a light lubricant to the hinges and moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Professional Inspection: Consider having your wheelchair inspected by a qualified technician periodically to ensure all components are in good working order.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Leg Rests are Unstable: Tighten all fasteners and ensure the leg rests are properly aligned.
- Leg Rests are Too High/Low: Readjust the height according to the guidelines above.
- Leg Rests are Causing Pressure Sores: Re-evaluate the height and angle of the leg rests. Consult with a healthcare professional if pressure sores persist.
- Leg Rests are Difficult to Adjust: Check for any obstructions or damage to the adjustment mechanisms. Lubricate the moving parts. Consult your user manual.
Conclusion
Adjusting the leg rests on a Medicine Wheel wheelchair is a crucial step in ensuring the user’s comfort, safety, and overall well-being. By following this guide and consulting your wheelchair’s user manual, you can effectively adjust the leg rests to provide optimal support and promote a healthy and comfortable sitting experience. Regular adjustments and maintenance are key to ensuring that the wheelchair continues to meet the user’s needs over time. If you are unsure about any aspect of the adjustment process, do not hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified wheelchair technician.
