Jane Fontein
OT, Clinical Specialist, PDG Mobility

Manual tilt-in-space wheelchairs were originally designed to provide pressure relief by tilting to 45 degrees. Experience shows there are many medical benefits associated with tilt-in-space wheelchairs at varying degrees of tilt. Some of these benefits include:

• improved posture,
• passive correction of kyphosis and scoliosis,
• improved ability to swallow and eat,
• improved ability to breathe and or increase oxygen content,
• increase sitting tolerance,
• increased independence,
• pressure relief.

These are just a few of the studies that will be presented during the discussion as well as some case studies confirming some of the findings:

Biomechanics of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion in Elderly: System Tilt and Back Recline Angles

This study tested tilt and recline and it’s effect on propulsion. The study found tilt more than recline affects the biomechanical efficiency of wheelchair propulsion.

A Qualitative Study Comparing the Experiences of Tilt-In-Space Wheelchair Use and Conventional Wheelchair Use by Clients Severely Disabled with Multiple Sclerosis

This study compares experience of tilt wheelchairs vs conventional wheelchairs when used for people with MS. Although comfort is not a medical necessity, improved postural support and stability, relief of pressure and being able to stay upright longer improves comfort. “The majority of tilt-in-space wheelchair users (6 out of 7) reported that their chairs were comfortable compared with only half of those in conventional wheelchairs (8 out of 16). The positive aspects of tilt-in-space wheelchair provision included comfort, improved postural support, enhanced seating stability, relief of pressure and being able to rest sitting out of bed for prolonged periods, often for more than 6 hours a day.”

Chair Configuration and Balance Control in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury
Posture and balance are affected by tilt

This study focused on people with spinal cord injuries. The researchers were studying the effect of tilting a wheelchair chair 7 or 12 degrees and how that influences balance and reach.