What Are the Appropriate Uses of a Manual Wheelchair?

Manual wheelchairs were first used during the Civil War and remained fairly standard until the 20th century, when the materials and designs began to develop. In the 1980s, the material fabrication allowed more flexible use by reducing the weight of the chairs. The advent of electric wheelchairs did not do away with the need for manual wheelchairs, which still have specific uses. Manual wheelchairs are available to accommodate a variety of lifestyles for people dependent on wheelchairs.

Spinal Disability

• Not everyone with a spinal disability automatically selects or is assigned an electric wheelchair. Manual wheelchairs can provide greater mobility, and with the range of designs they can also provide flexibility in adapting to a variety of environments. Without the additional weight of an electric wheelchair's motor, the manual wheelchair can be put to divergent uses that require lighter weight.

Hospital Exit

• In many hospitals, individuals who have been checked in as patients must be wheeled out in a wheelchair, regardless of capability. In those facilities, hospital staff often use manual wheelchairs to propel discharged patients out of the hospital and into waiting transportation.

Competitive Sports

• The lighter weight of aluminum and other materials used in the manufacturing of wheelchairs allowed people with disabilities great upper body strength and conditioning to participate in competitive sports. Additionally, three-wheeled chairs were specifically developed for wheel-chair bound tennis and basketball athletes. Three-wheeled chairs with aerodynamic enhancements can be assets during racing events.

Outdoor Activities

• Sturdier construction and firmer tires can be essential to those who are dependent on wheelchairs but still live active lifestyles filled with outdoor activities, such as sand and water travel (lightweight chair equipped with floating wheels) or distance hiking (not necessarily going up or down hills). These manual wheelchairs can be specially equipped for the activity of choice and might include such features as off-road wheels for rugged terrain.

Shower

• One of the primary purposes of a wheelchair is to allow the user to conduct as many daily activities under his own power as possible. The shower wheelchair or "commode" is a manual wheelchair that can reduce dependence on others and is specifically for use with roll-in shower stalls.