A modern power wheelchair serves a purpose beyond simple transportation. Unlike conventional wheelchairs, which were primarily focused on moving a person from one place to another, modern power wheelchairs put greater emphasis on facilitating activities of daily living (ADL) and increasing accessibility.
For instance, anterior tilt is a game-changing functionality available on the Stretto, 4Front® 2 and Edge® 3 Power Chairs that can improve the well-being of a wheelchair user and make daily activities much easier to participate in.
But what is anterior tilt? And why does this feature matter?
Let’s review the specs.
Anterior Tilt 101
Anterior tilt is a feature on cutting-edge power seats that alters the seat’s angle, raising the rear end above the front end. Hence, the seat slopes downwards, resulting in an anterior pelvic position shift where the knees are below the pelvis, placing the person in a partial weight-bearing stance.
Depending on the model, the power chair may be scripted with varying degrees of anterior tilt (10, 20 and 30 degrees). It may seem like a small thing, but even a 10-degree change in anterior tilt could significantly augment a person’s quality of life.
Without adequate anterior tilt, an individual with limited trunk control may experience discomfort or pain while sitting or lack the necessary range and flexibility to perform normal ADLs, such as:
- Accessing cooktop surfaces
- Accessing desks or tables
- Accessing sinks
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Doing laundry
- Grooming
- Preparing meals
- Reading
- Reaching items in cupboards
- Toileting
- Transferring to and from the wheelchair
Benefits of Anterior Tilt on a Power Chair
Anterior tilt can provide physiological, psychological and practical benefits, including:
- Improved reach – A person’s ability to reach forward is significantly inhibited when their pelvis is level or posteriorly tilted (which is the standard sitting position for a wheelchair user). Adding anterior tilt increases reach, which makes it easier to complete normal tasks.
- Greater confidence – A neutral to anterior pelvic tilt position ensures that the spine is aligned and the head can sit naturally, making it less draining to socialize and maintain eye contact.
- Increased independence – Improved accessibility and functionality enhance wheelchair users’ independence, making them less reliant on others to perform ADLs, which can have downstream effects on moods, confidence and well-being.
- Better health – The proper tilt promotes better posture, enhances respiratory function, improves circulation and reduces discomfort associated with prolonged sitting.
Anterior Tilt and the TB4
Anterior Tilt is a small but critical change to the modern wheelchair design that’s capable of enhancing the health and well-being of wheelchair users.
At Quantum Rehab, the Tru-Balance 4 Power System represents the pinnacle of anterior tilt technology.
This cutting-edge chair design provides the user with maximum comfort and functionality. It allows them to adjust their seating position with a 10, 20 or 30 degree power anterior tilt, and comes equipped with an articulating foot platform that lowers to assist with transfers, as well as eight customizable memory settings for added convenience.
Searching for a versatile, user-friendly power chair for a person in need of advanced mobility support?
Tru-Balance 4 is available on the Edge 3 Stretto®, Edge® 3 and 4Front® 2 power chairs. Contact Quantum to learn more about each and experience the difference in ADLs firsthand.
