OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Power Mobility

Power Mobility
Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
August 10, 2015
Share:

Learning Objectives

Our learning objectives for this course are that the participant will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast clinical indicators for scooters and power wheelchairs.
  • List three readiness indicators for power mobility.
  • List three power wheelchair alternative drive methods.  

Categories of Power Mobility

Power mobility devices fall into two main categories: power-operated vehicles or scooters and power wheelchairs.  Medicare refers to scooters as power-operated vehicles or POVs.  Each of these is designed to provide independent mobility using a motorized mobility base.

Goals of Power Mobility

Power mobility devices are designed to provide independent mobility to a client who is unable to self-propel a manual wheelchair or unable to self-propel a manual wheelchair efficiently.  There are some clients that we work with who can use a manual wheelchair, but perhaps not efficiently, safely, in a timely manner, without undue fatigue, or without undue cardiopulmonary effort.   If it is taking our client too much time or too much effort to complete the task, then this is not an efficient means of propulsion.  

Power Mobility Assessment

Clients who have an array of diagnoses and ages use power mobiity devices.  Clients having difficulty achieving independent, efficient mobility with other mobility options are the ones that may need power mobility.  Assessment of power mobility, just like assessment for more complex manual wheelchairs, is typically done with the wheelchair supplier.  Power wheelchairs tend to fall into two main categories: consumer level power wheelchairs and complex rehab power chairs.  Any power mobility device, whether it is a scooter or a power wheelchair, falls into an area of equipment where typically an ATP (Assistive Technology Practitioner) or a SMS (Seating and Mobility Specialist) may be involved.  We discussed those certifications in our last course.  It is very important to have competent team members involved so that the client is truly getting their very best solution.  When considering a power mobility device, the assessment needs to include several key items.  First, if this is the client’s initial power mobility device, we need to determine if the client is ready.  This is very pertinent with children.  Is this child ready for a power mobility device?  Once we determine that the client is ready for power mobility, we then have to determine what the best power mobility base is, including the optimal seating and best driving method.  For a lot of clients, the driving method will be a joystick, but not for all of our clients.  We also have to determine if power seating is required.  This can include features like a power tilt or power recline, and other related options that are available.


michelle lange

Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Michelle Lange is an occupational therapist with over 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the co-editor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: a clinical resource guide. She is the former NRRTS Continuing Education Curriculum Coordinator and Clinical Editor of NRRTS Directions magazine. Michelle is a RESNA Fellow and member of the Clinician Task Force. Michelle is a RESNA-certified ATP and SMS.



Related Courses

Continued Conversations, The CE Podcast: The Top Ten Mistakes Clinicians Make During Seating and Mobility Evaluations
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Audio
Course: #4610Level: Introductory1 Hour
This podcast will be a conversation about common mistakes made during wheelchair seating and mobility evaluations. The discussion will give you new ideas to improve the evaluation process!

Wheelchair Mobility: Power Wheelchair Alternative Driving Methods
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4363Level: Advanced2 Hours
While some clients require a power wheelchair to achieve independent mobility, not all will be able to use a standard joystick. Clients with paralysis, muscle weakness, increased muscle tone, and uncontrolled movements can often drive a power wheelchair successfully when matched to the most appropriate alternative driving method. This course will systematically explore various alternative driving methods, including specific features, to match these complex client needs. Case studies will be used throughout.

The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) Certification: An Overview
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4201Level: Advanced1 Hour
The Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS) certification recognizes competence in assessment and intervention. This course will cover what this certification is, who the SMS is designed for, why it was developed, why the SMS may be beneficial to a clinician and how to acquire this certification.

Wheelchair Seating: Considerations for the Hands-Free Sitter
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4202Level: Advanced1 Hour
Wheelchair seating is designed to provide postural support and alignment, stability for function and mitigate pressure issues. This course will address assessment and intervention when working with a client who can sit without the support of their hands, referred to as the ‘hands-free’ sitter.

Wheelchair Mobility: Optimizing Driving in Power Wheelchairs
Presented by Michelle Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Video
Course: #4462Level: Advanced1 Hour
Power wheelchair evaluation determines appropriateness for power wheelchair use and then determines the optimal power wheelchair base, power seating, driving method and other needed components. Optimizing power wheelchair driving is critical to improve outcomes and includes choosing the best drive wheel configuration, utilizing tracking technologies, and programming.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.