{"id":25601,"date":"2021-04-09T16:36:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T09:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.karmamedical.com\/th\/?p=25601"},"modified":"2025-08-22T09:23:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T02:23:41","slug":"choosing-a-folding-wheelchair-for-a-stroke-patient","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.karmamedical.com\/th\/en\/choosing-a-folding-wheelchair-for-a-stroke-patient\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a Folding Wheelchair for a Stroke Patient"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When someone has suffered from a stroke, friends and family want to know how they can help. The best time to look for aids is when the patient\u2019s condition has finally stabilised and improved. At this time, choosing the right wheelchair for a stroke patient will impact the\u00a0effectiveness<\/b>\u00a0of\u00a0rehabilitation<\/b>.<\/p>\n

However,\u00a0no \u201cone\u201d wheelchair is suitable for all stroke patients<\/b>! Everyone has different symptoms, residual function, and lifestyles after having a stroke.<\/p>\n

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The different types of strokes and levels of mobility.\u00a0<\/em>Source:\u00a0About Wheelchair Blog<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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The patient is able to walk, but not far<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For stroke patients at this level, movements such as sitting, standing, and walking are not greatly affected, but the speed and balance coordination are slightly worse. In this case, a\u00a0lightweight aluminum wheelchair<\/a>\u00a0is recommended.<\/p>\n

The patient can also use a large-wheeled (self-propelled) wheelchair to promote physical activity if they have the upper body strength. However, if a patient cannot propel themselves, a wheelchair with small wheels (attendant propelled) is\u00a0lighter<\/a>\u00a0and easier to carry for the caregiver.<\/p>\n

While the patient is using a crutch or walkers during rehabilitation, make sure to remember the principles of walking \u201cSlow and Steady<\/b>\u201d and \u201cSafety First<\/b>\u201d.<\/p>\n

The patient cannot walk but sits steadily\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When a patient is paralyzed, the main goal is to restore their walking ability; therefore, a folding wheelchair that will allow the user to shift easily is required. Such wheelchairs are equipped with\u00a0removable arm and footrests that can free up space<\/a>, allowing the user to use their non-paralyzed arm and foot to operate and propel the wheelchair.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0The flip-back armrests and detachable footrests make getting in and out of the wheelchair easy! Source: Karma Medical\u00a0S-Ergo 125<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1. Outward Rotating Footrests.<\/b><\/p>\n

Being able to rotate the footrests outwards as well as inwards will aid effective rehabilitation for stroke patients. When a footplate is removed, propelling the wheelchair is much easier. Check out this\u00a0video<\/a>\u00a0demonstrating what we mean.<\/p>\n

\u00a02. Lower Seat Adjustment<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Lowering the wheelchair\u2019s seat makes it easier for the user\u2019s feet to reach the ground. This makes it easier to move in and out of the chair as well as propelling the chair.<\/p>\n

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The lower the seat height, the easier it is for the patient to use their feet. Source:\u00a0Karma Medical\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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If a stroke\u00a0has affected the lower body<\/b>, then sometimes\u00a0restoring a patient\u2019s ability to walk is not possible<\/b>. In this case, it might be time to consider an electric wheelchair. An electric wheelchair will allow the user to travel longer distances and have a sense of independence. To operate a wheelchair, the user needs some motor function, and good cognitive and visual abilities.<\/p>\n

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Source: Karma Medical YouTube:\u00a0Leon \u2013 Product Video<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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When a patient cannot walk and cannot sit independently<\/strong><\/h2>\n

These are patients with more severe symptoms and less motor function as a result of a stroke. When the user is in a wheelchair and they cannot hold their upper body or head steadily. Then we recommend a wheelchair with high-back support. Consider the following:<\/p>\n