Increasing tilt on spectrum plus wheelchair

[hfmadden]

I have a patient with a brain injury whom we are currently reviewing his 24 hour postural management. The OT & I feel he needs more tilt to be able to manage his tone/positioning problems that he currently experiences in his spectrum plus wheelchair with foam karve in situ. The patient already has a hydrotilt chair and sleep system in bed but understandably he does not wish to use these options mush during the day. I was wondering if anyone knew of any ways to potentially increase the tilt on his spectrum plus wheelchair - I have been advised a raiser unit can be added but this will only increase the tilt from 17 to 23 degrees. Thanks for your help.

[Dave Long]

Hi there,

If a standing transfer is not required then you could raise the seat board at the front edge (with some engineering input), then recline the push handles by a corresponding amount and adjust the footplates. There is adjustable recline built in but requires tools. The result is increased rearward tilt.
Your local Invacare rep might be able to help. Beware making the wheelchair unstable backwards. Otherwise, choose another wheelchair!

Hope this helps,

Dave

[Jeff C]

Hi,

Yes, as Dave has mentioned, the easiest way is to construct a seat board with angled brackets and secure to seat rails. I have done this on a Spectra Plus with CBM foam seating mounted directly to seat board and backrest board. A 3" increase at front over 16" seat length will give you an extra 10 degrees on the seat angle. Spactra have adjustable angled backrest so you can then adjust to suit foamKarve seat. If I can find the photos I will add these later.

Good luck, Jeff.

[JR]

Hi,
Firstly, I assume you mean a Spectra Plus Wheelchair manufactured by Invacare and not a Spectrum? The latter I am not familiar with or even aware of it's existance.
I also note you have a Foam Karve seating system so would firstly advise you speak with Delichon who may be able to assist in your request.
I assume also that, given you have a Foam Karve system, there is no seat board and that the system is mounted direct to the frame. Alteration to the board is therefore not an option. Again this leads to, "Speak with Delichon".

I strongly advise using manufacturers options and would agree with others who say ask Invacare for assistance. I have found them very accommodating in the past with respect to "trying things".
A word of caution (or two), the stability will seriously be affected to it's rear and have found this an issue with even a small amount of additional tilt. Also, there have been issue of strength with earlier frames of Spectra TIS and further weight or shift of CofG could further your problems.
All mentioned before.
Will the occupant be able to see okay when driving that far tilted too?
Use your RE and Risk Assess.
Best of luck.
JR,
Rehab Engineer

[nicola aburto]

I have previously used a plastazote foam wedge between the custom seat cushion and the spectra board. This distributes the weight evenly across the plastic shell surface and therefore does not create any areas in the plastic shell where the bolts between the brackets and shell would cause stress and then potentially cracking.

To lessen the risk of tipping backwards you could try a low frame on the spectra, these can be purchased as spares from Invacare. If the board has been removed these can also be purchased as spares. You could then perform a risk analysis using a stability ramp and assessing the environment they are likely to be using it in.

Faling this Handicare do a range of power chairs, some of which do up at 35 degrees approx TIS.

nicky aburto