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Lower Body Positioning
Lower Body Positioning products help you achieve good seating posture with increased stability, better range of motion, improved foot circulation and sustained hip and knee position for maximum comfort.
It is essential to position the lower body correctly, as the lower body affects the positioning of the pelvis, balance of the body, and freedom of movement of the upper body.
Hence it is vital to have the right positioning tools for the lower body.
Knee Extension
Assessment
Knees are extended, causing feet to hang forward of the footplate. This can lead to foot injury and pressure behind the foot. Increases overall wheelchair turning radius.
Causes
Wheelchair issues: inadequate postural support to prevent extensor thrust leading to pelvis sliding forward. Inadequate foot support hanger angle, or foot supports not low enough.
Physical conditions: increased extensor tone, weakness, decreased quadriceps range of motion, over-lengthening of the hamstrings, and structural knee changes.
Foot Support Goals
To reduce overall extensor tone and increase stability. Alleviate pelvis and lower leg pull. Protect the feet. Accommodate for fixed knee extension
Solutions
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Revolutionising foot positioning, Ankle Huggers® help balance the lower body in response to upper body movements.
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The Evoflex Pelvic Positioning Belt combines the comfort of a padded hip belt with a new stiffened end strap. This material prevents the belt from twisting, and stop…
Unequal Lower Leg
Assessment
One leg is shorter than the other, which may require an asymmetrical seat. One foot may need to be supported higher than the other
Causes
Wheelchair issues: none
Physical conditions: leg length discrepancy, polio, fixed pelvic obliquity, asymmetrical hip flexion contractures, surgery, trauma
Foot Support Goals
Prevent pressure under the thigh by providing support to each foot at the correct height. Increase stability for function.
Solutions
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Revolutionising foot positioning, Ankle Huggers® help balance the lower body in response to upper body movements.
Ankle Contractures
Assessment
Fixed range of motion limitations do not allow the full inferior surface of the foot to contact the foot support. Can lead to poor lower body support. Can lead to pressure over the areas that contact the foot support
Causes
Wheelchair issues: poorly fitted foot supports, often collapsing in at middle
Physical conditions: abnormal muscle tone leading to range of motion limitations in the ankle and/or orthopedic changes in the foot, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, lack of weight bearing, surgery
Foot Support Goals
Match the angle of the feet as much as possible to provide full support and pressure distribution, keeping femur parallel with the seat.
Solutions
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The Universal Elastic Strap is a simple and versatile positioning tool, and can be used around the legs or torso for greater stability.
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Calf Panels and Straps are used to provide increased support for the back of the calves. These can be mounted on any wheelchair for enhanced cushioning and pressure …
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Revolutionising foot positioning, Ankle Huggers® help balance the lower body in response to upper body movements.
Knee Flexion
Assessment
Feet are often positioned under or behind the knees. Pulling the feet forward usually results in a posterior pelvic tilt. The feet may become caught behind the foot supports and injured
Causes
Wheelchair issues: lack of stability in the seating system may lead someone to tuck their legs under in an effort to stabilise
Physical conditions: range of motion limitations, particularly the hamstrings, increased knee flexor tone, structural knee changes
Foot Support Goals
Provide lower body support without causing stress to the hamstrings or the knee, while maintaining a neutral pelvic tilt
Solutions
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Bodypoint Hip Belts feature rounded edges on buckles so that these do not snag clothing, stain-proof extra-strength straps, and patented laminar pads covered with wr…
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The Evoflex Pelvic Positioning Belt combines the comfort of a padded hip belt with a new stiffened end strap. This material prevents the belt from twisting, and stop…
-
Revolutionising foot positioning, Ankle Huggers® help balance the lower body in response to upper body movements.