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Wheelchair Intervention: Principles and Practice

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Abstract

The purpose of wheelchair interventions is to compensate for reduced walking ability or the lack of it, which in turn supports individual performance in activity as well as participation in society. Each occupational therapist (OT) working in this field has to have high-quality competence in different products, how to adjust and adapt them, what factors affect the fitting process, and what health risks are associated with using them. A successful solution is based on a therapeutic understanding of the user, the equipment, and the environment. Even though a wheelchair primarily is an assistive device aimed at providing mobility, it is also a chair, and thus should comfortably and ergonomically seat the user while supporting effective mobility. Regular follow-ups of the prescribed wheelchair may increase the professional’s knowledge and secure good clinical practice in this field, enhancing the users’ occupational performance.

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Ingrid Söderback

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Brandt, Å., Samuelsson, K. (2009). Wheelchair Intervention: Principles and Practice. In: Söderback, I. (eds) International Handbook of Occupational Therapy Interventions. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-75424-6_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-75424-6_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-75423-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-75424-6

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