What Factors Really Affect the Efficiency of Manual Wheelchairs?
0.1 CEU / Intermediate level
Presented by: Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP
Etac/Ki Mobility

There are many firmly held opinions about what factors most dramatically affect manual wheelchair propulsion efficiency. Which factors have the greatest impact and are most important to consider? Is it the weight of the chair? Is it the component selection? Like an automobile, is it the way it is tuned or set up that optimizes efficiency?

Prescribing professionals must understand how people use their manual wheelchairs. They must also understand how wheelchairs actually work as a machine. Armed with this knowledge, the professional can make appropriate decisions to optimize efficiency while meeting the user's needs for support, stability, and function.

This presentation will discuss factors commonly considered to be predictors of manual wheelchair propulsion efficiency. We will compare these factors in light of what current research suggests as being predictive and then provide some applicable conclusions to inform clinical practice.

Power Standing Mobility: Navigating the Hurdles Surrounding Power Standing
0.1 CEU / Intermediate level
Presented by: Mary Anne Loftin, MSPT, ATP
Permobil

As humans we are designed to stand; not just stand occasionally; but spend most of our days standing.  We stand to work; we stand to perform our daily activities and self-care; and we stand in sometimes to play or socialize.   Unfortunately, not everyone gets the luxury of standing and research is beginning to show the negative impact of prolonged seated positions. So why have we been so hesitant to move our patients to power standing mobility?   A big reason is the process of obtaining power standing mobility has long been difficult and overwhelming even for the best clinicians and equipment suppliers.

Providing power standing mobility is now taking center stage in the world of CRT as many funding sources are viewing the medical and functional benefit to standing. In this course we will review the benefits of standing both medical and functional, the ongoing cost of sitting, and how to improve delivery of power standing mobility to get the best outcomes for your clients.

Putting it All Together: Translating Evaluation Findings to Configure the K0005 Manual Wheelchair
0.1 CEU / Intermediate level
Presented by: Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP
Etac/Ki Mobility

The seating and mobility evaluation has been completed and a K0005 manual wheelchair has been selected as the appropriate piece of equipment. The make and model of the wheelchair has been determined. Now it is time to fill out the order form. How do you compile all of the information from the subjective interview, physical assessment, and equipment trials to determine the final equipment configuration and set up? How do you ensure that the wheelchair will meet the needs of the user now and allow the potential for adjustments over time?  This presentation will use clinical examples to demystify the process of translating clinical findings to final equipment prescription, with particular attention to the complexity of rigid K0005 manual wheelchair configuration. Consideration will be given to changes in health condition/need as a result of circumstances such as: time post injury or illness, disease progression, and age.

Power Assist: Applications to Improve Function
0.1 CEU / Intermediate level
Presented by: Mary Anne Loftin, MSPT, ATP
Permobil

• Identify manual wheelchair riders who may be at risk for repetitive stress injury.
• Differentiate between three different types of power assist.
• Identity how power assist can improve function.

Pediatric Positioning: Facilitating Growth and Play
0.1 CEU / Beginner level
Presented by: Heather Price, OTR, ATP/SMS
Quantum

Positioning children with complex needs is more than just providing smaller versions of adult equipment. One of the biggest differences between pediatric versus adult seating is accommodating growth. Not just physical growth, but also providing support to allow the child to engage in play activities. Play activities are necessary for cognitive, social, and emotional growth as well. This course will provide an overview of the considerations that differentiate pediatric versus adult seating and discuss potential seating system interventions to address the pediatric client’s needs.

Using Tilt Bases for Pressure, Posture, Function, and Participation
0.1 CEU / Beginner to Intermediate level
Presented by: Erica Walling, MPT, ATP/SMS
Sunrise

The seat to back angle or a posterior, anterior, or lateral tilt can be incorporated into a seating system to provide increased opportunities for pressure relief, postural support, function, and participation. What benefits does an increased or decreased seat to back angle provide? When should it be adjustable? What are the benefits of fixed seat to back angles? What about tilt? How and why are tilt incorporated into a rider’s day? This session provides an overview of how tilt and seat to back angle recommendations can be incorporated into a stroller, dependent, or manual tilt wheelchair system. Available evidence and rider experiences will be shared to illustrate interventions focusing on seat to back angle and tilt.

Mobility Equipment Considerations with Multiple Sclerosis
0.1 CEU / Beginner level
Presented by: Heather Price, OTR, ATP/SMS
Quantum

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease associated with a variety of clinical presentations. This patient population can present in many different ways from having slight difficulty with ambulation to almost complete inability to move themselves. The progression of Multiple Sclerosis is quite unpredictable, it can progress rapidly in some forms and other forms of MS progress slowly and can plateau. This variable clinical presentation can make it challenging for the evaluation team to make the most appropriate equipment recommendations. The evaluation team needs to assess these individual’s current mobility status as well as consider the possible progression of their condition.  This course will provide guidance for mobility professionals to follow when making decisions about the mobility equipment needs of individuals who have Multiple Sclerosis.

Are Adjustable Wheelchair Cushions Better?
0.1 CEU / Intermediate level
Presented by: Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP
Etac/ Ki Mobility

Many consider adjustable wheelchair cushions to be the ultimate solution for clients at high risk of pressure injuries. However, they may not be fully aware of what defines an adjustable wheelchair cushion, how the technology works, and what it should accomplish when properly constructed, adjusted, and used. Every interaction between an individual and a different cushion is a unique result of those two specific variables at that point in time. Can you know whether a specific adjustable cushion can be properly adjusted for any individual’s seating needs without trialing it first? Further, can you determine the proper adjustment prior to trial? Over time, will the adjustable characteristics of the cushion be able to accommodate changes in clients’ needs? Should a good adjustable cushion offer the adjustment needed to properly fit at initial issue, as well as the ability to adjust as an individual’s needs change?

Power of Access
0.2 CEUs / Beginner to Intermediate level
Presented by: Byron Guisbert
Invacare

Explain the difference between proportional/digital components. We will highlight electronic and mechanical switches and the thoughts for considerations for movement when using these. We will also demonstrate controlled and supportive seating and positioning.

The Use of Supported Standing Devices Early After SCI
0.2 CEUs / Intermediate level
Presented by: Kristen Cezat, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS
Altimate Medical

This course will review the types and secondary effects on an individual following a spinal cord injury. Evidence related to supported standing devices and recommendations for use early after spinal cord injury will be reviewed. The functional prognosis for the different types of spinal cord injuries and how this relates to supported standing device recommendations will be reviewed and put into real-world context through case study examples.