Page 26 - Mobility Management, November 2017

ATP Series
An Ultralight for All Seasons
more time on the biomechanics of propulsion. Just as Alan said — don’t give everybody a power chair. Being able to get the prop- erly fitted [ultralight] technology is a challenge, but that’s not the only thing you’re facing.
“Your physical structure is changing, so what does your frame need to look like? You can’t squeeze into the same seat frame, but you still need the same access to the wheels. How does seat frame design change so you’re not creating pressure at your knees — because now you’ve had to put pads on your chair to keep your knees together, because you don’t have the flexibility that you had before? Chairs can be designed for those purposes. But when do you apply it, how do you apply it?”
The same question could be asked of ergonomic and perfor- mance options, including specialized handrims, wheels and power-assist systems. Asked if such technology could be helpful to aging users, Garven said, “Most certainly, especially to aid in relief of aging-related wrist and shoulder pain, including hand/ thumb arthritis. If the goal is to reduce the number of push stokes in a day, to ease the effects of overuse issues, these prod- ucts can be helpful.”
Kiger pointed out that not all ergonomic options are right for every aging ultralight user — power-assist systems, she pointed out as an example, might be challenging for ultralight users with
quadriplegia to assemble, disassemble and lift. “When you talk about power assist, all of the options have to be looked at. If you’re going to consider moving anybody in that direction, you should do your due diligence and let them try all of the systems, because there are unique features for all of them.”
While power-assist won’t be right for every user, “I’m a firm believer in introducing people to equipment and what’s out there,” she said. “Planting those seeds, especially if I think we’re headed down that road [of needing the technology].”
Tomorrow’s Ultralight Users
Whelan said he sees “hopeful signs” regarding the future of ultra- lightweight chairs for aging consumers — both in technology and in the dissemination of best practices for those users.
“I know and interact with people in the marketplace whose primary business now is not reimbursement,” he said. “They’re knowledge-based technology providers who are servicing markets where people pay for the technology. They’re selling the technology based on its merits and what it does for you. They’re not building a business for high volume. They’re building a business for high profit built on producing value around applying technology with knowledge. They’re problem solvers.
“The biggest gap is knowledge, education, training. It’s not
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24 NOVEMBER 2017 | MOBILITY MANAGEMENT
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