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The 2020 Word of the Year

Pandemic. It’s a word that has dominated our lives this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly impacted everyone’s life in one way or another, so it’s no surprise that Merriam-Webster and Dictionary.com have declared “pandemic” the Word of the Year.

For electric wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities, the pandemic has changed many aspects of their daily lives. Working from home has suddenly become the norm. Accessibility has expanded in ways never thought possible. Masks are worn in all public spaces and for electric wheelchair users, cleaning and disinfecting power wheelchairs has become a lot more involved.

Working from Home in a Pandemic

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been mandated that any individuals who can work from home should do so. This is a great step forward for the disability community. Individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities or narrow electric wheelchair users often request remote work due to transportation barriers, medical appointments or other health reasons. Unfortunately, people with disabilities have often struggled to win the reasonable accommodation to work remotely. No longer! Today, everyone is encouraged to work remotely and it has proven that people are able to be productive when working from home. Furthermore, it has demonstrated that working from home can occur on a long-term basis.

Wheelchair Accessibility Problems Turn into Solutions

Because the pandemic requires all individuals to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19, this mandate has solved many accessibility problems for narrow electric wheelchair users or people with disabilities. In terms of socializing, we utilize video chat programs such as Zoom or FaceTime to connect with loved ones. This new way of socializing has taken a lot of the stress off narrow electric wheelchair users, who don’t have to worry about accessibility when going to a friend or family member’s house or eating out at a restaurant. For many states, mail-in voting has become the norm due to the pandemic, and individuals with transportation barriers or chronic illnesses can exercise their right to vote easily with a mail-in ballot. These are just a few examples of how wheelchair accessibility problems have become solutions in 2020.

Disinfecting Wheelchairs and Wheelchair Cleaning Checklist

Due to the coronavirus, narrow electric wheelchair users must take greater precautions beyond washing their hands for twenty seconds. As an extension of their bodies, individuals should clean and disinfect their power wheelchairs daily. When disinfecting power wheelchairs, individuals should use EPA-approved wipes that contain an alcohol solution of at least 70 percent. If you don’t have wipes, the CDC recommends a spray bottle with one quart of water and four teaspoons of bleach. For electronic components on your power chair, we recommend silicon-based cleaners to avoid causing damage to the electronics. Check out our wheelchair cleaning checklist for more tips. While all this extra cleaning has certainly been challenging, it’s necessary to make sure that individuals with power chairs stay safe.

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Featured

Wheelchair Accessories for the New Year

As the year 2020 winds down, everyone is looking toward 2021 with anticipation and hope. A new year means new year resolutions and new possibilities. As a narrow electric wheelchair user, you might consider making some important purchases for your narrow electric wheelchair. There are many motorized wheelchair accessories available: from storage options to LED lighting. Get the lowdown on each and decide whether you need some motorized wheelchair accessories to make 2021 the best year yet!

Power Wheelchair Backpack

Power Wheelchair Backpack

Quantum Rehab® knows the importance of having plenty of storage space available. Wheelchair storage bags are a great choice. If you have a Quantum® Power Chair with TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems, consider purchasing the Quantum glove box, which attaches easily to the arm of your power chair. The personal item hook is another storage option and a great way to keep your purse or backpack within easy reach.

Speaking of backpacks, have you seen the new Quantum power wheelchair backpack? Made from extremely durable material, this backpack offers an insulated cooler pouch and plenty of volume to store all your possessions that you need to take with you when on the go. Each zipper on this backpack is equipped with a pull hook, perfect for individuals who have limited dexterity.

Wheelchair Safety Lights

Wheelchair Safety Lights

Why not light up the new year with some front and rear LED fender lights on your narrow electric wheelchair? Each switch-operated LED light is mounted to the fender above the drive tire on each side of the power chair. Quantum’s LED lights are ultra slim, delivering excellent compactness and durability. Seeing and being seen has never been easier. Now you can travel around at night with peace of mind and know that cars, pedestrians and cyclists will see you coming.

Motorized Wheelchair Backup Camera

Motorized Wheelchair Backup Camera

Many narrow electric wheelchair users understand the struggle of seeing what’s behind them when reversing. The motorized wheelchair backup camera from Quantum removes the guesswork! Whether you are reversing in your kitchen or at the mall, the Quantum backup camera promotes safety with a rear viewing angle of 170 degrees. Never worry about hitting door frames, small children or family pets. You can see what’s behind you with the 3.5-inch display that can be mounted on the armrest or the side rails for total convenience. Best of all, the backup camera from Quantum offers infrared capabilities for use at night.

Ready to Purchase?

Ready to purchase some motorized wheelchair accessories for the new year? Just reach out to your Quantum dealer today and let them know you wish to purchase some power wheelchair accessories. They can assist you!

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We’re Thrilled to Announce That Bluetooth® Functionality has Arrived for Q-Logic 3e

Image of a Q-Logic 3e controller with a "Now Featuring Bluetooth" text at the top.

Your Q-Logic 3e controller can already do so much. But in an increasingly wireless
world, our mission is to explore further ways to enhance your independence.

We’re thrilled to announce that Bluetooth® functionality has arrived for Q-Logic 3e!
It’s standard moving forward, but existing users need only download a firmware
update to start enjoying this convenient technology.

If a device has Bluetooth capability, your Q-Logic 3e can pair with it. Now, your
joystick has the ability to sync with your cell phone, tablet, or computer.

Image of an infographic showing a phone, tablet and computer connecting via bluetooth to a rendering of a Q-logic 3e joystick.

Picture the possibilities: your controller can become a computer mouse. It can scroll
on a smartphone. It can help you type on a tablet. All designed to aid in your
activities of daily living.


We anticipate the addition of Bluetooth functionality in Q-Logic 3e controllers to be a
game-changer for many of you. At Quantum Rehab®, our inspiration comes directly
from you, and we’ll never stop advancing toward breakthroughs for your overall
well-being.

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YOU could be our next Q Roll Model

Are you a Q Roll Model? That’s what Quantum Rehab wants to know. And that’s why we want to hear from YOU!

Quantum Rehab is dedicated to being the premier global innovator of consumer-inspired complex rehab technologies. That’s why we’re truly excited to announce the return of our Q Roll Model contest for 2023! We’re seeking to add two awesome and relatable wheelchair users from across the country to our passionate team of brand ambassadors.

Winners of the contest will receive a three-month paid Q Roll Model contract and a custom power wheelchair with iLevel technology, with full service at no cost.

“Quantum Rehab’s commitment to the Disability Community goes beyond designing and producing innovative power wheelchairs that allow us to live our best lives,” said Stephanie Woodward, Quantum Rehab’s Brand Ambassador Coordinator. “We know that there is no one type of wheelchair user, and we’re dedicated to creating wheelchairs that are as unique as the people who sit in them every day. That is what makes this contest so exciting – we’re able to bring on new team members to represent Quantum Rehab and whose lived experience as wheelchair users can help us to continuously move the bar forward for power wheelchair technology.”

It’s easy to apply to be a Q Roll Model…

  • Go to this LINK and fill out the entry form (You can also view the Official Rules on this page)
  • Follow Quantum Rehab on our social media channels
  • Post a video or photos of yourself on social media explaining how having a Quantum Rehab power wheelchair with iLevel would help you live your best life. Be sure to tag Quantum Rehab and use the hashtag #QRollModelSearch
  • Encourage your friends to like and share your post (amount of likes and shares counts for 10% of the judging criteria)

Judging will consist of three factors: public voting (10%), video/photo content (30%), and an explanation of how iLevel would help the participant live their best life (60%).

The contest is open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years and older, and children 10 years and older with parent/guardian consent. Entries are now being accepted and will close on August 13, 2023.

We look forward to welcoming our newest Q Roll Models, and we encourage you to apply today!

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How to Travel with a Quantum Rehab Power Wheelchair

How to Travel with a Quantum Rehab Power Wheelchair

Do you have a big trip coming up?

Whether you’re venturing domestically or internationally, you may be wondering about the best ways to travel with your Quantum Rehab Power Wheelchair. For an enjoyable, hassle-free journey, you need to plan and pack properly.

To help with that, the team at Quantum has compiled a list of four helpful tips to keep in mind before you wave bon voyage.

Tip Number 1: Bring Your Charger (And a Converter, If Necessary)

Before you set sail on your adventure, remember to pack the most important item: your power wheelchair charger. You’d hate to show up to your travel destination only to discover your chair is low on power, leaving you scrambling to find a compatible charger.

If you plan on leaving the country, you may also need to bring a voltage converter or plug adapter that’s compatible with where you’re staying, as not every country uses the same outlet style and voltage [1].

Also, be sure to pack a USB phone charger to plug into your chair’s USB ports.

Tip Number 2: Research The Area You’re Traveling To

It’s always best to do a bit of homework before you arrive at your destination. Consider researching wheelchair-friendly routes, accessible public transportation options and so on in light of your planned itinerary.

This can help prevent much of the stress and guesswork that might otherwise arise if you were to show up without planning ahead of time. Be sure to consider the accessibility of:

  • Hotels
  • Bars
  • Restaurants
  • Tourist destinations
  • Excursions

 

Tip Number 3: Locate Quantum Rehab Dealers Near Your Destination

If you have a Quantum Rehab chair, you should see whether or not we have a dealership location near your final destination.

Simply check out our easy-to-use locator tool to find dealers in your proximity. That way, if you experience issues or require maintenance for your power chair during your trip, you’ll already know where to find experts who can provide assistance.

Tip Number 4: Don’t Forget Your Accessories

Quantum Power Chairs are designed to be compatible with various helpful accessories that can enhance your quality of life and let you travel in comfort and style.

Some of our recommended accessories for traveling include:

  • Quantum Lap Tray
  • Personal Items Pouch
  • Quantum Backpack
  • Tablet Holder
  • Phone Holder
  • Rearview Mirror
  • Clothing Guards (Pair)
  • Personal Item Hook
  • Oxygen Holder
  • Rear Accessory Bar
  • Privacy Flap
  • Push Handles
  • Reflector
  • Reflector Kit
  • Transfer Bars
  • Trilogy Vent Tray
  • Cup Holder
  • Hydration System
  • Glove Box
  • Catheter Bag and Cover
  • VOCSN Tray
  • USB Port
  • USB Mobile Device Charger
  • Backpack Holders

Here, two particularly useful add-ons are fender lights and backup cameras, both of which can make it easier to navigate unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.

Depending on the type of power wheelchair you have, some of these accessories may already be included. For instance, the Edge 3 Stretto® includes switch-operated LED fender lights, ensuring optimal visibility for any nighttime excursions.

Ensure a Smooth Travel Experience with Quantum Rehab

At Quantum Rehab, we’re committed to making travel simple and hassle-free for all of our users. Whether you want to visit a nearby city or fly across the country, you can count on our purposefully-designed power wheelchairs to provide easy navigation, enhanced comfort and a multitude of helpful accessories.

If you have any questions about traveling best practices for your specific model, feel free to contact us at any time.

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Balancing Priorities: Reflections on Personal Relationships and Career Success

By: Josh McDermott


I’m not the kind of person who readily shares details of my personal life. I’ve always been adept at keeping my professional and personal spheres separate. Throughout my life, I’ve only been in three long-term relationships, each of them significant. I hold dating and relationships in high regard, considering them to be deeply vulnerable and incredibly enriching experiences. Discovering someone who can also be your closest friend, and taking that bond to the next level, is an unparalleled feeling that transcends any other aspect of life.

At the age of 18, I embarked on a career path that would eventually become my dream job. Despite my youth, I was entrusted with significant responsibilities and found myself among older individuals and higher-ups who valued my insights. Being the youngest person in most meetings was a weighty responsibility, one that I took very seriously. At a young age, I made a conscious decision to prioritize the company above all else. While I cannot definitively say whether this decision was right or wrong, I do know that it had a noticeable impact on my personal relationships.

I spent the majority of my time on the road, residing in hotels, attending events, trade shows, and delivering speeches at colleges. On average, I was away from home for 200 to 250 days each year. My friends used to jest that I led a rockstar lifestyle without actually being a rockstar. This way of life was undeniably a blessing, affording me the opportunity to inspire and assist numerous individuals. However, the decision to prioritize the company took a toll on my relationships, particularly when compounded by the challenges that come with having a disability.

For an able-bodied person, extensive travel can already be demanding. When you add the extra burden that a significant other takes on due to my disability, the strain becomes even more pronounced. In my situation, this burden, combined with constant travel and limited physical presence, created a breeding ground for difficult realities. Trust and open communication have always been fundamental to me when it comes to building strong relationships. I consider myself fortunate that all my past relationships ended amicably. To this day, I stay in touch with two of them, both of whom are now married with children. The other one is single and thriving.

Now that I’m older, I reflect on the choices I made, prioritizing everyone and everything else except my relationships. I sometimes wonder, when meeting with one of my exes, whether I could be married with a child, a home, and a white picket fence, living the quintessential American Dream. Recently, I had the chance to catch up with one of my ex-girlfriends and her four-year-old son over ice cream. While she was visiting the area, I asked her if we would be married by now had I not been constantly traveling and working. Her response was uncertain, suggesting that one can never truly know how things might have unfolded. Ultimately, you do what you believe to be the right thing.

https://www.instagram.com/jmcdermottnyc/

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Empowering Accessibility: Making a Difference with Evacuation Chairs

I am so excited to share that a project I have been working on has moved to the next step! After my experience at EmpowHer camp last summer,I decided that my year-long project would be to try to get evacuation chairs in my school – and hopefully other places in the community. The idea behind this project came from an experience during my sixth-grade year, where a power outage caused the elevator to stop working. The school called the fire department and a number of unfamiliar firemen had to carry me down three flights of stairs. This made me nervous and uncomfortable. There had to be a better way!

Realizing the Need:

At EmpowHer camp last summer we discussed emergency plans for disabled people. Throughout those conversations I realized the importance of safe exit plans for people with mobility limitations. I started planning my project with some help from my mentor.

Taking Action:

First, I began by sending emails to the principal and board of education. Before I got a response from the BOE, I sent 3 additional emails to my principal saying how important getting the evacuation chairs is for our school. I knew these chairs could help many people in my school as well as other schools in our district.

A Big Breakthrough:

Something exciting happened a few days ago. I was called into the principal’s office. At first I was nervous because I thought I was in trouble. Just when I expected the worst, the principal said she heard about my project and explained that she ordered the chairs! She asked if I could speak about them at the board of education meeting next month. I’ll be sure to get a video and post an update in the future. I’m also going to make a video to show OTs and PTs how to properly use the chairs.

The Power of a Single Voice:

I couldn’t believe that she had already ordered the chairs, I was so excited when I got the news. I ‘m nervous about speaking at the board meeting, but I know that it’s all for a good cause. One small voice can make a big difference!

Stay tuned for my next update.

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What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is an overarching genetic disorder that refers to 13 heritable connective tissue disorders. Each type of EDS has its own genetic mutation, inheriting pattern and symptoms.

Broadly speaking, these genetic mutations affect connective tissues; specifically, the tissue structure and function of collagen in the skin. This, in turn, impacts the strength and elasticity of various tissues throughout the body [1].

Naturally, the presence of EDS can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. But how much of an impact will depend on the specific type and severity of EDS. 

Types of EDS 

The most common and least severe type of EDS is hypermobile EDS, which impacts fewer than 200,000 people in the US [2]. Even so, this birth defect can cause significant health complications, including joint hypermobility to both large and small joints, skin elasticity and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Additionally, the 13 subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome include [3]:

  1. Classical EDS
  2. Classical-like EDS
  3. Cardiac-valvular EDS
  4. Vascular EDS
  5. Hypermobile EDS
  6. Arthrochalasia EDS
  7. Dermatosparaxis EDS
  8. Kyphoscoliotic EDS
  9. Brittle Cornea Syndrome
  10. Spondylodysplastic EDS
  11. Musculocontractural EDS (mcEDS)
  12. Myopathic EDS
  13. Periodontal EDS

Signs and Symptoms of EDS

Naturally, the exact signs and symptoms will vary depending on the subtype of EDS. Even so, common features across the various subtypes include:

  • Joint hypermobility – Because connective tissue is much looser, patients often experience an increased range of motion in the joints, leading to frequent dislocations or subluxations.
  • Skin abnormalities – Typically, skin is hyperextensible (able to stretch beyond 1.5 cm), prone to scarring and often resistant to stitches [1].
  • Tissue fragility – The tissue of the body’s organs and various other structures is weak, which can lead to easy bruising and poor wound healing, especially when severely damaged.
  • Pain – Patients often suffer from chronic pain in the muscles, joints or bones.
  • Fatigue – Many subtypes are characterized by persistent, excessive tiredness.

Causes of EDS

EDS is a genetic disorder, meaning it’s passed down to the child from one or both of their parents. There are two primary patterns of inheritance [2]:

  • Autosomal dominant pattern (more common) – An affected individual has a 50% chance of passing the condition to their children.
  • Autosomal recessive pattern (less common) – Both parents must carry the gene mutation for the condition to pass on to the child.

Although some symptoms of the disease may appear early in life (even in the womb), symptoms may start appearing at different times depending on the strain of EDS.

Power Chairs for Individuals with EDS

For some EDS patients, the uncomfortable symptoms of their genetic disorder may make it difficult to walk or perform normal daily activities. In such cases, a wheelchair may be necessary to aid mobility and help alleviate the physical symptoms.

At Quantum Rehab, our consumer-inspired rehab mobility power chairs are designed to deliver medical comfort while improving a person’s well-being and independence.

With more than 60,000 lives changed, including countless EDS patients, our mobility technologies can meet both your medical and clinical needs, as well as your quality-of-life needs. 

Contact us today to discover more about our life-changing products.

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“Huge win”: CMS announces sweeping Medicare coverage for power seat elevation

Power wheelchair (PWC) users have scored a major victory, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that power seat elevation equipment on Medicare-covered PWCs falls within the benefit category of durable medical equipment (DME). Essentially, this decision means that more PWC users will now be eligible to receive coverage through Medicare for power elevation systems.

It is a monumental decision destined to positively impact thousands of lives and goes well beyond February’s initial decision from the CMS, in which the agency proposed coverage for seat elevation and deemed it necessary for those individuals who require elevation in Group 3 Complex Rehabilitative Technology (CRT) power wheelchairs to perform weight-bearing transfers.

However, following several months and multiple rounds of public comments and consideration, Tuesday’s announcement of CMS’s National Coverage Decision (NCD) expands well beyond the initial decision, which will cover seat elevation for the purposes of performing all transfers and mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADLs).

The decision summary states, in part, that individuals are eligible for coverage when the following conditions are met:

1. The individual has been evaluated by a medical professional to confirm they can safely use seat elevation; and

2. At least one of the following applies to the individual:

a. The individual performs weight-bearing transfers, with or without assistance;

b. The individual requires non-weight bearing transfers while in the home; or

c. The individual performs mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADLs) such as toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming, and bathing, with or without assistance

Pride Mobility Products® Corporation and Quantum Rehab®, whose revolutionary iLevel technology has transformed tens of thousands of lives, are thrilled to share in the joy of power wheelchair users around the country who helped make Tuesday’s historic decision possible.

“For years, we’ve been advocating for Medicare to cover seat elevation,” said Stephanie Woodward, brand ambassador advisor for Quantum Rehab®.

“Wheelchair users across the country know firsthand how life-changing this technology can be, but for far too long, many people who needed seat elevation could not access it because Medicare wouldn’t cover it. With this new decision, we know that people who need this technology can finally have access to it. This is a huge win for our community!”

Overwhelming support for coverage beyond the preliminary decision was reflected in the two public comment periods. According to the Decision Memo, CMS received 3,523 “in-scope” comments during the initial comment period from August 15, 2022 to September 14, 2022. Of these, more than 98% supported “reasonable and necessary coverage of seat elevation equipment for Group 3 PWCs.” During the second comment period following the preliminary decision, CMS received 2,133 comments.

Hearing directly from wheelchair users, caretakers, friends, families, clinicians, and other medical professionals made a noticeable difference in CMS’s final decision.

“We are very pleased that CMS’s final decision incorporates many of the changes recommended by consumers and other stakeholders to include coverage for reach and all types of transfers into and out of a power wheelchair,” said Seth Johnson, senior vice president of Government Affairs for Pride Mobility. “This has been a seven-plus year effort with CMS, and it is great to see those efforts come to fruition. This is a historic victory for the disability community who led this effort, and one that should be celebrated.”

“I was truly overjoyed to see this announcement come through [Tuesday], said Quantum Rehab® clinical sales manager Alex Chesney, OTR, ATP/SMS. “It shows that our voices can be heard and especially those are utilizing and prescribing these features. Going from mainly only considering if seat elevation would help someone independently transfer on their own to considering it for a multitude of transfer styles, with or without a caregiver assisting, depending lift transfers, and function reach is a huge clinical win. This sets the stage that advocacy can work and is a step forward in promoting a life of quality and independence, not telling people that it’s a luxury if they utilize a power wheelchair.”

CMS also announced it expanded the scope of the initial benefit category decision “to include power seat elevation as DME on all Medicare-covered power

wheelchairs”, which include Group 2 with power options and Group 5 (pediatric) in addition to Group 3.

The full Decision Memo can be viewed here.

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How my #4front2 saved my Grammys experience

My work as a disability accessibility and inclusion consultant takes me to some exciting places. From partnering with tech companies like Google to participating in events with leading entertainment and streaming works like Netflix, I’m grateful to daily get to witness how various industries are making strides toward being more inclusive of disabled people in their company cultures, marketing, external events and so much more. Recently, my firm had the opportunity to help bring greater accessibility to the most prestigious music industry celebration in the nation (and arguably the world), the Grammy Awards. This included supporting delivery of American Sign Language (ASL) services on the red carpet and the press room, providing guidance on language/communication to the disability community, and advising on physical accessibility of various spaces, including ramps on the red carpet.

This year the Grammys were hosted in Los Angeles, CA at the Crypto.com arena. As a wheelchair user, large venues like these can be a huge challenge to navigate, especially when the crowds are massive. Traditionally in crowds, I have a hard time maneuvering because I’m so low in my chair that people don’t see me and, thus, aren’t considerate of my needs to get through. I also don’t often have view of directional signage or other signals to help me find my way. Finally, in the past, I’ve been unable to clearly communicate with people because I’m so low that I can’t hear them and they can’t hear me amidst the noise.

Thanks to the elevation on my Quantum #4Front2, I had the best experience I’ve ever had in a crowd. Being able to elevate to approximately 5 feet helped alleviate my usual crowd navigation concerns. Not only was I able to maneuver through both the red carpet and the arena, itself, but I was more effectively able to do my job because I could communicate eye-to-eye with the team I was supporting…and, of course, getting to see and connect with some of my favorite music artists was the icing on the cake! Once again, wheelchair elevation saves the day!

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What is Anterior Tilt?

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.

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Get to Know the TB4

Quantum has done it again. Our Tru-Balance 4 Power Positioning System is the next step in the evolution of the power chair, providing enhanced functionality and comfort to meet a user’s medical, clinical and quality of life needs.

From anterior tilt to WC19 compliance, here’s what you need to know about the features of the TB4.

What Is the TB4

The Tru-Balance 4 Power Positioning System is Quantum Rehab’s revolutionary new seating technology that comes available on the Edge 3 Stretto®, Edge® 3 and 4Front® 2 power chairs. This state-of-the-art seating system is designed to provide users with maximum comfort, functionality and accessibility.

What exactly can users expect from the TB4?

Notable features include:

  • Anterior tilt – Users can adjust the TB4’s seat angles so that the seat slopes downward at a 10, 20, or 30-degree angle. This creates an anterior pelvic position, placing the user in a partial weight-bearing stance, which can have both physiological, psychological and functional benefits, such as:
    • Greater accessibility to activities of daily living
    • Improved confidence
    • Enhanced independence
    • Better health and recovery
    • Easier sit-to-stand or sit-squat-pivot transfers
  • Customizable memory seating positions – The TB4 empowers users to program and save up to 8 customizable positions, including 4 forward commands and 4 reverse commands. After the user selects a desired position, the seat will automatically adjust to return to the preset. This feature provides users with easy and convenient access to their preferred seating positions, eliminating the need to make constant adjustments, thus ensuring optimal comfort. 
  • Articulating foot platform (AFP) – An essential component of the TB4, the AFP was added to assist with transfers in and out of the power wheelchair. By lowering the AFP, a user can position their lower extremities in a stable and secure position. This can increase user independence and reduce the risk of falls or accidents that may occur during a transfer. 

Which Bases is the TB4 Available On?

Currently, the TB4 is an available add-on to the following bases:

  • The Edge 3 – The most advanced power chair on the market, the Edge 3 with iLevel is jam-packed with useful features and functionalities, including a 12” power adjustable seat height.
  • The Edge 3 Stretto – The narrowest, most maneuverable power base in the country, with a total width of 20.47” and 12.5” drive wheels, the Edge 3 was designed to accommodate children, teenagers and small adults.
  • The 4Front 2 – The next generation of the 4Front Power Chair, the 2 provides additional enhancements like a 4-pole motor, redesigned caster arms and TB4 optionality.

Quantum and the TB4

Quantum Rehab’s Tru-Balance 4 Power System has reimagined what a power chair is capable of. This system provides several features designed to enhance user comfort and functionality, including anterior tilt, customizable memory seating positions and an articulating foot platform.

This novel reimagining of the power chair provides the user with a more natural and ergonomic sitting position, which can improve their independence, as well as their physical and mental well-being.

But where can you find the TB4?

Simply visit a Quantum dealer to get rolling today. 

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