What Are the Benefits of Using a Standing Wheelchair?

What is a standing wheelchair? Standing wheelchairs are considered innovative and transformative medical equipment because they offer users the ability to easily switch from a sitting to a standing position to facilitate their daily activities. The standing wheelchair is characterized by offering a wide range of benefits, from physical, psychological, and even social, as it significantly impacts the quality of life of people living with mobility issues.

Next, we want to go through the main benefits of the standing wheelchair, how they work, their particular characteristics, and the considerations to know in which cases it is recommended to use this type of mobility device.

Design and structure of standing wheelchairs

Standing wheelchairs are specially designed to support and facilitate the transition from a sitting to a standing position. How is this possible? Standing wheelchairs are equipped with particular mechanisms that allow users to remain standing while maintaining all the balance and support they need for certain activities and comfort, providing them with greater independence and accessibility.

Although standing wheelchairs are essentially like traditional wheelchairs, they have some additional components to support the standing function. The highlighted features are:

• Electric motor: standing wheelchairs are often equipped with electric motors that facilitate the transition from sitting to standing. These motors provide all the necessary force to lift the user to a standing position smoothly and safely.

• Hydraulic systems: some standing wheelchairs use hydraulic systems that offer precise control over the standing process. The hydraulic cylinders help raise and lower the user smoothly.

• Manual levers: in manual standing wheelchairs, the levers and mechanical systems allow the user to manually adjust their position, although this requires more physical effort compared to motorized versions.

• Leg and knee supports: adjustable leg and knee supports are crucial for maintaining stability and preventing the legs from bending during the standing process. These supports are designed to offer comfort and stability at all times.

• Chest and waist straps: safety straps on the chest and waist ensure that patients remain in a safe position while the chair is raised, preventing falls and ensuring proper posture.

• Footrests: stable and adjustable footrests provide a solid base for the feet, helping to balance the body during the transition and while standing.

• Control levers: many electric standing wheelchairs come with joystick-type controls that allow users to easily control the standing function and other movements. The joysticks are easy to use and require minimal physical effort.

• Smart controls: advanced models may include smart controls, such as touch screens or smartphone integration, to offer a higher level of customization and ease when changing positions.

• Reinforced frames: a standout feature of standing wheelchairs is their reinforced frames to support the additional stresses and loads associated with the position-changing function. These frames are usually made of strong and lightweight materials like aluminum or titanium.

• Drive wheels: like traditional wheelchairs, standing wheelchairs can have large drive wheels for manual propulsion or smaller electric wheels for motorized movement. The choice depends on whether the wheelchair is manual or electric.

• Swivel wheels: the swivel wheels at the front provide stability and maneuverability, helping users navigate different terrains and tight spaces.

You may also be interested in: How to choose the right wheelchair?

Physical health benefits of using standing wheelchairs

Standing wheelchairs offer significant advantages for physical and emotional health, as well as for normal development in daily routines. These include:

Improving circulation

Standing promotes better blood flow throughout the body, which is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. When standing, the force of gravity helps blood return from the lower extremities to the heart, reducing the risk of blood pooling in the legs. This improvement in circulation decreases the likelihood of developing circulatory problems such as deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs. Regularly transitioning to a standing position significantly reduces the risk of these serious complications.

Improving digestion and bowel function

Maintaining an upright position aids the digestive process by promoting normal gastrointestinal function. Gravity helps move food and waste through the digestive tract, which can help relieve constipation and improve overall bowel function. This position can also stimulate peristalsis, the series of muscle contractions that move food through the digestive system.

Maintaining bone density

Standing is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. When standing, the bones in the legs, hips, and spine support the body's weight, stimulating the production of bone tissue. This process, known as bone remodeling, helps keep bones strong and dense. In people who cannot stand regularly, bone density can decrease over time, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Regular standing helps mitigate this risk by promoting bone growth and strength.

Relieving pressure that accumulates in the body

The transition to a standing position provides crucial relief from pressure that can accumulate in certain parts of the body when sitting for long periods. When sitting for too long, areas such as the buttocks, lower back, and thighs bear much of the body's weight, which can lead to pressure sores (ulcers) if not relieved. These sores are caused by prolonged pressure that reduces blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to tissue damage.

Greater independence

The ability to stand independently is empowering and can significantly improve self-esteem and autonomy. For users with mobility issues, the ability to go from sitting to standing without assistance can enhance their sense of control over their own bodies and environments. This independence fosters a positive self-image and allows greater participation in daily activities and social interactions.

We also invite you to read: Medical care and well-being: how mobility affects quality of life

Who should use standing wheelchairs?

Determining who should use this type of wheelchair involves evaluating medical conditions, physical capabilities, and lifestyle needs, as standing wheelchairs are not strictly recommended for all people with mobility issues.

Standing wheelchairs are beneficial for people with various medical conditions such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and post-stroke rehabilitation. However, medical professional recommendations are always required to use a standing wheelchair.

Additionally, to use a standing wheelchair safely and effectively, individuals must meet the following physical criteria:

• Normally, some upper body strength is required to operate manual controls or adjust supports.

• Users must have the cognitive ability to understand and operate the standing wheelchair controls.

• Proper postural stability is necessary to transition safely and maintain a standing position.

In conclusion, standing wheelchairs represent a significant advancement in mobility aids and offer a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits. They allow users to switch from a sitting to a standing position, promoting better health, independence, and quality of life.

Q700-UP M standing wheelchairs at Loh Medical

The Q700-UP M wheelchair, available at Loh Medical, represents the pinnacle of performance and innovation in powered wheelchairs. Designed to offer exceptional versatility, this wheelchair is perfect for those who need a device that can handle various terrains and situations.

Whether you need to navigate your home, explore the outdoors, and attend school or work, the advanced mid-wheel drive performance of the Q700-UP M ensures smooth and stable movement. One of its standout features is the ability to recline or switch to a fully standing position, offering users unprecedented flexibility and independence. This functionality not only improves mobility but also contributes to better physical health by promoting circulation and reducing pressure sores.

The Q700-UP M standing wheelchair is equipped with:

• SEDEO ERGO intelligent seating system, which provides maximum comfort and support through its intelligent design and customization options.

• Comes with special Switch-It controls that allow intuitive operation for users to easily adjust their seat at any time.

• It has six memory locations for users to save their preferred settings for quick and easy transitions.

Definitely, the Q700-UP M wheelchair is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile, high-performance standing wheelchair that adapts to any lifestyle. Find it at Loh Medical!