Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic diseases characterized by abnormal genes that interfere with the production of proteins that are needed to form healthy muscle. This interference causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Symptoms can include poor balance, difficulty walking, frequent falls and limited range of motion, but vary depending on the type and severity. The most common type of muscular dystrophy is Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Depending on the severity of your child’s muscular dystrophy, it is possible that he or she can be fitted for a Quantum® complex rehab child wheelchair that is customized to meet his or her needs as his or her condition progresses. The Edge 3 Stretto™ child wheelchair is compatible with many options for power positioning, drive controls and power seating.
The Edge 3 Stretto child wheelchair has many beneficial features to enhance your child’s mobility and independence. One available feature is iLevel® power adjustable seat height, which allows the motorized wheelchair user to drive at 3.5 mph while elevated 12 inches so he or she can complete daily activities independently, such as transferring, grooming, toileting, cooking and reaching. The Edge 3 Stretto child wheelchair also comes standard with safety features, such as the LED front and rear fender lights. LED lights give your child increased visibility in low lighted areas and be safely seen while crossing streets or parking lots.
As your child’s condition and symptoms progress, he or she may require power positioning on his or her child wheelchair to help maintain proper comfort, skin integrity, positioning and function. TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems on motorized child wheelchairs offer a wide range of options when it comes to adjusting the positioning of the seating, including power tilt, power recline, power tilt and recline, power articulating leg rests, power articulating foot platform and iLevel. TRU-Balance 3 provides an appealing look and feel and maximizes functional independence.
Depending on the muscular dystrophy type and severity, your child may require expandable electronics on his or her child wheelchair. Q-Logic 3 Advanced Drive Controls allow operation of a power wheelchair using a joystick and comes standard with Bluetooth®. Using Bluetooth in conjunction with the Q-Logic 3, your child can operate his or her smart phone or tablet right from the Q-Logic 3 controller. This controller can also be customized to include alternative drive controls such as a head array, switched driving or chin control.
Children diagnosed with MD may benefit from Stealth Products® wheelchair cushions. Each child wheelchair cushion offers a different function, such as skin protection and positioning and general use.
If you are looking to purchase a child wheelchair, check out how to buy a child wheelchair.
