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Traditionally, power mobility was used as a last resort as a result of failing to walk. Children are expected to walk as much as possible, even though their ambulation was not functional or effective. However, studies have shown that abnormal pathological gait patterns increase muscular demands and energy consumption. The ability to ambulate declines as a child grows older and ... Read More>

Firstly, there is no best wheelchair, only one that best fits the user. For that reason, the existing power wheelchairs for children available on the market are very diverse. The common attributes of pediatric power wheelchairs include the ability to accommodate growth, flexible drive controls, and the ability for transportation requirements (Seating and Wheeled Mobility, 2018). The best choice for ... Read More>

It’s common to see growing children with physical disabilities have orthopedic asymmetries. It’s estimated that 20% of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) will have scoliosis (Lubicky & Betz, 2011). It’s also reported that progressive hip subluxation occurs in up to 50% of children with spastic CP. Other common complications, such as contractures, pelvic obliquity, and windswept distortion, are also common ... Read More>

Studies have shown that for a child with mobility impairments, the early introduction of power mobility enhances the development of skills (Jones et al., 2012; Guerette et al., 2013; Livingstone & Field, 2014). It’s also widely recognised that early independent mobility improves self-esteem and confidence and reduces apathy and depression (Guerette et al., 2013). Studies have shown that early access ... Read More>

In the wake of our recent launch of Karma’s most advanced pediatric power wheelchair; Kameleon, we want to walk parents through the different stages of considering a power wheelchair for their children.  Independent mobility is important in the development of cognitive and psychosocial skills. If a child is not mobile, they may experience lack of motivation and isolation from their ... Read More>

If the elderly cannot sit-up straight to transfer into the wheelchair, the caregiver can use a transfer mat to help. Use a transfer mat to transfer the elderly who can’t sit up, into an already reclined wheelchair. Source:  Karma Medical Taiwan; Karma Academy 1. Recline the wheelchair into a lying-down position . Remove the armrest before preparing the elderly for transfer.  ... Read More>

The core strength of the wheelchair user will determine the method in which they are transferred to a wheelchair. The methods described are suitable for those with elderly caregivers as they adhere to a “no-lift policy” which means there is strictly no lifting the wheelchair user for wheelchair transfers.  To help categorise the elderly you are working with, you can ... Read More>

The easiest way to push a wheelchair over uneven ground to go backward. When encountering uneven ground, pushing the wheelchair forwards is not only difficult for the caregiver but it is also extremely uncomfortable for the user. If the user is elderly and their trunk is unstable, there is a risk of them falling out of the wheelchair and sustaining ... Read More>