Pressure Redistribution

Body functions and structures

Individuals who use wheelchairs are at an increased risk of pressure injuries

due to factors such as prolonged sitting, inability to redistribute pressure independently, postural asymmetries, sensory impairments and spasticity.

Power Standing Wheelchairs

A power standing wheelchair enables the user to independently reposition into a standing position to offload the pelvic area.

• A standing position provides significant off-loading
  Sprigle et al. 2010

• Shear forces associated with the sit-to-stand transfer need to be considered
  Yang et al. 2010; Cho et al. 2014

• 65% of the Permobil standing survey participants indicated that they use the power standing function for pressure management

User Benefits

A power standing wheelchair provides a number of benefits to the user at home and in the workplace, enabling them to decide when to stand and therefore adapt their position as required with regards to pressure redistribution.

1. Reduced pain and pressure

• Compared to tilt and recline, standing decreases loads off seat and backrest simultaneously
  Sprigle et al. 20101

2. Increased independence

• Ability to independently reposition enables user to move without assistance, contributing to pressure management

• Power standing wheelchair provides the individual with control over the decision of when to stand, may be more independent and therefore less restrictions in daily use
  Vorster et al. 2019; Kenyon et al. 2021

“My standing wheelchair is more convenient because I don’t have to transfer to stand, which results in more standing”

– Male 18-30 years