Why use wheelchairs

When motor neurons in the brain die, the individual loses the ability to control muscle movements across the body. Therefore, the ability to voluntarily control muscles declines over the course of the disease to the point of significant or total paralysis in later stages.

There are an estimated 16, people with ALS. The disease does not currently have a cure, but several medical treatments prolong survival and quality of life while living with ALS. Depending on the progression of the disease, an electric wheelchair , especially a reclining, tilting, and standing power chair, is essential for a better quality of life and health for mobility assistance.

Cerebral Palsy CP is one of the most common disabilities that requires wheelchairs, a disorder in the United States with nearly , people being affected. Another statistic states that between 1, to 1, school-aged children are diagnosed with CP each year in the U.

Symptoms range from mild to severe intensity, affecting both the brain and motor functions. This disorder results from brain damage occurring around childbirth. Some symptoms of Cerebral Palsy may be limited muscle control, problems with reflexes, difficulty with coordination and control, and oral motor problems.

Additionally, standing electric wheelchairs are especially effective for better circulation and health for those who have difficulty walking and are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Diabetes is a disease involving the production and use of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from food get into your cells to give them energy.

However, with Type 1 Diabetes , the body fails to produce insulin at all. As a result, continuing medication through the use of insulin medication, glucose monitoring, and other medical interventions are necessary for managing the disease. Type 2 Diabetes is the more common type which generally means the body has difficulties using its insulin correctly. Diabetes puts people at risk for further health problems.

For example, roughly half of individuals diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes experience nerve damage, also referred to as diabetic neuropathy. In addition, many people also have foot complications related to neuropathy which may include ulcers, poor circulation, and amputation. Depending on the presentation, many people with diabetes take advantage of assistive mobility technology such as power wheelchairs for better health and mobility.

This means the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves are negatively affected. MS results in many different kinds of symptoms from mild to severe. For some with MS, a wheelchair is needed for mobility. Symptoms such as muscle spasms and stiffness, fatigue, walking difficulties, dizziness, tremors, and seizures may warrant the need for a motorized wheelchair or, in some cases, a power standing chair.

When walking and standing are not possible or very difficult with more severe Multiple Sclerosis, an electric wheelchair is a great tool for better independence and health. Muscular Dystrophy encompasses several different diseases that lead to loss of muscle and progressive weakening of the body. In this disorder, gene mutations cause problems with the production of proteins normally used to make healthy muscles. The most common types of Muscular Dystrophy occur in childhood, most often with boys.

However, other types do not become present until adulthood. While there is currently no cure for Muscular Dystrophy, therapy and medication can slow the progress of the disease. This type, for example, is characterized by difficulties with motor activities such as walking or sitting up, muscular stiffness and pain, and frequent falling.

Other types have mainly to do with which muscle groups are most affected. Oftentimes, electric wheelchairs including tilting, reclining, and standing wheelchairs are effective resources for people with Muscular Dystrophy depending on their specific needs.

Symptoms move from subtle and mild to more and more disruptive as motor function declines. For example, a slight hand tremor may be the first sign, but further tremors, muscle rigidity, difficulties with walking and balance, speech problems, and posture difficulties are some of the symptoms that follow.

Muscles on one side of the body are often affected first. If a wheelchair becomes necessary due to the mobility problems associated with the disease, it is recommended to use a tilting and reclining chair to help with circulation and blood pressure. Rheumatoid arthritis RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. This means that the immune system essentially attacks itself in the body.

Some walkers have wheels or glides on the base of the legs, which means the user can slide the walker rather than lift it. This is especially helpful for people with limited arm strength. Wheelchairs are used by people who should not put weight on their lower limbs or who are unable to walk.

They can be more suitable than walkers for people with severe disabilities or when travel over greater distances is required. Wheelchairs can be manually propelled by the user, pushed by someone else, or electrically powered. A wheelchair that can be propelled by neural impulses was designed in Examples of specialized types of wheelchairs include standing wheelchairs, where users are supported in an almost upright position, and sports wheelchairs, which have been developed for use during specific sports.

They are typically battery powered. Mobility scooters are beneficial for those without the upper body strength or flexibility to use a manual wheelchair. Many scooter users report a positive impact on their lives due to their choice of mobility aid.

Rules for the use of mobility scooters on sidewalks and roads vary by location. Training is usually available for people wanting to use a mobility scooter for the first time. Guide dogs are specially trained service animals used to escort people who are blind or visually impaired by helping the owner navigate obstacles.

Having a guide dog or therapy animal also has positive psychological, physiological, and social effects. In the U. Several home or office modifications can be made to help navigate within a building or in other areas where there are changes in surface heights.

Anyone who has a mobility issue, either temporary or long-term, can benefit from mobility aids. The type of mobility aid used will depend on the needs of the individual. Older adults, people who have had an amputation, and those recovering from surgery also benefit from the use of mobility aids.

While mobility aids provide a number of benefits to users, there is a risk of injury associated with their use. For example, underarm crutches may lead to a condition called crutch paralysis, which is caused by excess pressure on the nerves in the armpit. Usually, kids in wheelchairs don't need to be pushed around, but they might need other kinds of help. Opening a door or clearing the path will be appreciated.

But the best help of all is to be kind and friendly and not to tease or stare. People who use wheelchairs are the same as everyone else. They just get around on wheels instead of feet! Reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Who Needs a Wheelchair? What Does a Wheelchair Do? What's Life Like?