Sports wheelchairs and day chairs are typically distinguished from each other. Wheelchairs that are used in sports have cambered rear wheels for greater stability and are more tailored toward self-propulsion by the user.
The wheelchair sports movement represents the desire of physically disabled individuals to have normal competitive Athletic experiences and to reach their optimum level of Physical fitness, skill, enjoyment, and satisfaction through organized sports.
The wheelchair is a common denominator for all participants with mobility impairment and assumes the same significance in relation to activities as the polo player’s horse, the hockey player’s ice skates, and track athlete’s shoes. Its function accords the status of athletic equipment, and the proficiency of its use becomes a measure of the Athlete’s ability.
These are common wheelchair sports injuries that might occur:
- Soft tissue injuries occur most commonly at shoulders, Elbows, wrists, and hands. These include muscle pulls, Strains, sprains, bursitis, and tendonitis
- Soft tissue injuries, blisters, and skin lacerations or Abrasions.
- Major injuries, such as fractures or trauma leading to further permanent disability, are rare.
These are few steps to be followed to avoid injury:
Prevention includes routine stretching, warm up and cool down for each workout, a slowly progressive strengthening/conditioning program, preventive taping and splinting for better stabilization of old injuries.
- Chairs should have a standard height of footrest (10 cm above the ground), with the seat no higher than 51cm above the ground.
- Decubitis ulcer prevention is by adequate cushioning and padding for the buttocks, frequent pressure relief, good nutrition and hygiene, and wearing of clothing that absorbs moisture.
- Thermal Regulation Prevention is through the wearing of adequate clothing for protection in hot and cold weather.
- RICE: R – Rest, l – Ice, C – Compression, E – Evaluation.
- Basic First Aid tips:
- Keep the wound and surrounding area dry and clean.
- Avoid powder or medical drys.
- Proper dressing to avoid frictional injuries.
