Wheelchair Accessories Provide Comfort and Function

Filed under Disability, Wheelchair

Amidst the chaos that is 21st century living, one thing can be for certain: mobility is required. This is especially necessary for those in wheelchairs, as many wheelchair users are in their chairs for much longer than people are in their automobiles. Because of this, things like comfort and accessibility are even more crucial to those who use mobility wheelchairs than those who do not. Picking and buying the right wheelchair accessories that provide the most comfort and function is important.

Wheelchair Cushioning

Wheelchairs are meant to be versatile because their owners are often unable to leave them at whim. This means that many wheelchairs must also serve as lounging chairs, desks, and so on. One type of wheelchair accessory that improves the user’s quality of life regardless of his or her activities is wheelchair cushions. There is a certain “natural cushion” we all have that aids in the act of sitting comfortably, but for those who have to sit for long periods of time, this is not enough. Wheelchair cushions come in all different levels of firmness, size, and can be catered to the user’s preference and type of wheelchair. Cushions are simply a must for wheelchair owners.

Wheelchair Footrests

Many of us may remember how frustrating it was, having our legs dangle over the edges of chairs and benches, too short to reach the ground and reach a comfortable position. Being in a wheelchair without adjustable footrests is much the same experience. With adjustable footrests, however, there is no uncomfortable flexion of the hamstring muscle, no cramps, and no circulation being cut off to the users legs from their being at too sharp of an angle. This accessory is much like the last; it is not for decorative purposes but for function.

There are thousands of other accessories that one can purchase for one’s wheelchair like wheelchair trays, gloves for pushing the wheels, wheelchair cup holders, and wheelchair bags. The most important thing is that wheelchair owners take advantage of all of the accessories that are available to them, so that their quality of life is such that they are able to compete with everybody in this fast-paced world.

Buy Recommended Wheelchair Accessories

• Wheelchair Cushions - Choose from gel, foam, or air wheelchair cushions. Read about the pros and cons of each material.
• Wheelchair Portable Tables - These portable tables make great lunch trays, reading desk, or writing tables.
• Wheelchair Bags & Baskets - Create extra storage space on your wheelchair for long trips or for shopping.
• Armrest Covers - Prevent abrasion with armrest covers when putting your arms or elbows on your armrests. Also protects the armrests of your wheelchairs.
• Wheelchair Cup Holders - Able to hold 10 to 32 ounces of beverages or mugs. Works for wheelchairs and walkers.
• Universal Cup Holders – The use of two straps and foam pads allow these universal cup holders to be firmly mounted on just about any armrest, no matter if it is a wheelchair, scooter, office chair or airplane seat. Easy to remove and install.
• Wheelchair Gloves - Half finger wheelchair gloves allows for protection and easy handling of the wheelchair tires while still maintaining excellent finger dexterity and movement. Easily put your gloved hands into your pockets.
• Attachable Wheelchair Trays - Attach these wheelchair trays with the straps provided to your wheelchair and you can quickly create an environment for eating, writing or reading. Able to hold the weight of a laptop.
• Wheelchair Pillow Cushions – Provides extra padding and contours to the curves on your body to help reduce pressure sores.

Tags: Wheelchair Pillow Cushions

Exercise Equipment for Wheelchair Users

Filed under Wheelchair

Exercise is proven to not only lower the risks of diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular conditions, but it also it has also been shown to improve one’s overall mood and sense of well being through the release of endorphins. It can aid with the relief of pain, fatigue, cramps and stiffness.

Being confined to a wheelchair is in no way a sentence to a sedentary lifestyle. There is an abundance of easy-to-care-for exercise equipment for wheelchair users such as hand cycles, resistive tubing, and free weights. Exercise equipment is readily available to help wheelchair users maintain active, fit, and healthy lives.

Hand Cycles

Hand cycles are a form of closed chain, low impact aerobic machinery that strengthen and improve cardiovascular functioning while toning the muscles of the arms. Various models exist including with or without attached seats. The specific model will depend on the mobility of the user. Hand cycles can be placed on a table and used to exercise the arms. Sit on a comfortable wheelchair cushion as you exercise your upper body. The ergonomically designed handles adjust to greater or lesser amounts of resistance. These are the perfect table mounted hand bikes for the disabled. Simple lower end inexpensive hand cycles can costs from $60 to $100. Higher end machines can range anywhere from $300 to $5,000 depending on the accessories and capabilities. Check out below for some affordable and inexpensive hand cycles.

Buy Best Recommended Exercise Equipment

• Pedal Exercisers – Affordable low impact pedal exercisers that can be used for toning the legs and arm muscles. Great for someone who is currently in a wheelchair but is rehabilitating.
• Mini Cycle Exercisers for Arms or Legs – Uses adjustable magnetic resistance to provide a smooth pedal motion in both the forward and reverse directions. Excellent reviews.
• Motion Pulley Set – Motion pulley set for shoulder therapy that is easy to install and remove from a door. Practice extending your shoulders and arms over your head.
• Hand Cycle Exerciser – Made of sturdy heavy duty steel and has an easy to adjust control knob for resistance. Inexpensive hand cycle.
• Neoprene Free Weights – Pick from a wide range of weights from 1lb to 15lb. Does not chip or damage floors and will not roll due to its hex shape.
• Resistance Tubing – These are affordable exercise equipment that comes in varying degrees of tension. Great resistance training that can be used anywhere.
• Hand Cycles – Adjust the workouts to your preference from light to rigorous. A built in computer monitors your reps, distance, time and calories.

Resistive Tubings

Resistive tubing is an extremely inexpensive, yet versatile piece of equipment that is both portable and easy to use. Tubes can be looped around one’s own body, a doorknob, a table leg, or a wheelchair for a variety of full body exercises. Resistance tubes are useful in muscle toning and conditioning. Many fitness instructors and physical therapist recommend the use of these resistance tubes if you are rehabilitating or want to build muscle endurance. Tubes typically range from $2 to $20 for varying styles and resistances. A set of tubes including different shapes and sizes would be a more economical and useful purchase.

Free Weights

Free weights are likewise one of the most versatile types of equipment used for muscle strengthening and toning. They can be used for upper and lower body toning exercises. Weights coated in vinyl or neoprene are often more comfortable than purely metal weights. They can be purchased individually or in sets with costs ranging from $5 for a single dumbbell to $150 for large sets with adjustable weights. Kettlebells, medicine balls, sandbags, and body bars are all useful free weight equipment to have in any collection.

Any reasonable amount of movement is good for the body and your health. Spend this exercise time to practice your wheelchair transfer techniques as well. Being in great physical shape will allow you to overcome the limitations and challenges, a wheelchair user might encounter in their daily lives. No longer will you see obstacles the same way.

Tags: Free Weights, Hand Cycles, Resistive Tubings