Physical Benefits of Standing Wheelchairs
Urinary Health – Urinary Tract Infections are common among people who are in wheelchairs. However, studies have shown that using a standing device or standing wheelchair can greatly decrease urinary tract infections.
Circulation – Changing posture helps the blood circulate around the body. For example, sitting in one position causes the blood to stagnate and reduce circulation to other places of the body.
Spasticity – Staying in one position, such as sitting, can cause muscle spasticity. Changing posture helps relax the muscles and reduce spasticity.
Bowel Function – Poor bowel function is a common complaint among wheel chair users. However, according to numerous studies, standing exercises can greatly improve bowel function. Even when using a standing wheelchair these results are the same.
Pressure Sores – Pressure sores occur from constant pressure on one area of the body. Being able to stand up in a wheelchair helps distribute your weight and improve healing of bed sores.
Contractures – Sitting for long periods of time may cause the joints and muscles to stiffen. Standing allows the muscles to get stretched and exercised, decreasing the amount of stiffness you experience in joints and muscles.
Bone Density – Some evidence shows that standing wheelchairs may increase bone density. This is because standing puts more weight on your bones than sitting.
Psychological Benefits of Standing Wheelchairs
Independence – Standing is the foundation of reclaiming independence. A few examples include being able to reach cupboards, change light-bulbs, and looking into a mirror at a regular level.
Increased cognition – Better circulation often means better cognition. Standing wheelchairs may help with certain cognitive tasks such as memory and focus.
Fatigue – Sitting or lying down for too long is a known cause for fatigue. Muscles may atrophy and quickly tire. Standing up helps exercises these muscles and reduce fatigue.
Depression – Depression is often caused by feeling a lack of control over certain situations. So it is no wonder why people confined to a wheelchair may suffer from depression. However, gaining the ability to stand, even with assistance, helps reclaim a certain amount of control and helps reduce depression.
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Well-being – Wellbeing is dramatically increased by using a standing wheelchair. You can be on “the same level” when talking or communicating as others. You can also make eye contact, pose for photographs, and hug standing up and much more.
And Direct from our superhero Jason!
Hi I’m Jason, check me in my standing wheelchair which I love because I can dance to the music which I enjoy a lot.
I’m able to reach shelves and take any snacks without asking Mommy, it’s a big bonus!
I’m so tall when I’m standing and it’s great to see just how fast I’m growing.
Mommy explained that there are so many health benefits when I’m standing in my chair and this is helping me with my Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy especially to stop me from getting contracture’s in my legs. Look how straight my legs are.
I tell everybody I am Iron Man.
I’m so glad I get to stand like everybody else, it makes me happy.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http://wheelchairsontherun.co.za.www12.jnb1.host-h.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Jason-Stand-up-Wheelchair.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.9.11″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ alt=”Jasons stand up wheelchair” title_text=”Jason Stand up Wheelchair”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]