37
WARNING
After the adjustable back upholstery has been posi-
tioned to the end-users individual needs, the fas-
tening straps MUST be securely fastened BEFORE
applying the back upholstery cover. The adjustable
back should be checked whenever entering the
wheelchair to ensure that the fastening straps are
securely fastened.
4. Slip adjuster straps through corresponding anchor
loops and adjust the back upholstery. Secure with
the fastening straps.
5. Secure the back upholstery cover (fastening strap)
to the back of the adjustable back upholstery (fas-
tening strap).
6. Flip the back upholstery cover over the adjustable
back upholstery and secure the fastening straps to
the front of the adjustable back upholstery.
7. Lay the front portion of the back upholstery cover on
the seat upholstery.
8. Adjust the slack in the back upholstery cover and
then secure to the seat upholstery.
Why Use Adjustable Tension Back Upholstery: A
Clinical Discussion
The flexible sling upholstery commonly used on wheel-
chairs allows the wheelchair to fold without removing rigid
components. Sling upholstery will stretch with use. Un-
fortunately, stretched upholstery does not support the
back well. Stretched upholstery often allows the pelvis to
drift into posterior tilt while the back assumes a kyphotic
posture.
With the adjustable tension backrest, the sag can be
taken out of the sling restoring the original tightness.
Adjustable tension upholstery can also provide signifi-
cant improvement to the seated posture and function of
the wheelchair. By changing the tension of the strap, the
backrest can be adjusted to accommodate back pos-
tures such as kyphosis, lordosis, stabilize the pelvis and
back, and provide lateral stability.
In addition to restoring the sling to original tension, the
adjustable tension backrest can be adjusted to help
maintain the pelvis and back position, which can improve
posture balance and function.
3. Secure the adjustable back upholstery to the back
posts with the mounting screws.
NOTE: Clean the upholstery with warm water and
mild detergent to remove superficial soil.
FIGURE 7
When using a nonadjustable flat backrest, the top
portion of the upholstery will usually push the trunk
forward of the center of gravity over the pelvis. To
maintain the trunk in the upright posture, the user must
have and use the back extesor musculature, or add
tilt or recline to backrest (FIGURE 8 ).
When using adjustable upholstery, it is possible to
tighten the lower portion of the backrest which as-
sists in maintaining a neutral pelvis. The upper por-
tion can then be adjusted to follow the natural curva-
ture of the spine bringing the back over the pelvis in a
position of balance relative to the center of gravity
(FIGURE 9).
FIGURE 9
The wheelchair backrest should be able to follow the
natural anatomical contours of the back. When view-
ing a person from the side, the thoracic portion of the
back will extend posteriorly to the pelvis and buttocks
(FIGURE 7).
FIGURE 8
PROCEDURE 4BACK
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