Every spring, after complex rehab technology (CRT) manufacturers have finished their early-year product launches, Mobility Management asks readers for their Best Picks.
 and clinicians specializing in seating and wheeled mobility are invited to name their CRT favorites and the reasons behind those choices. <em>Mobility Management</em> does not furnish participants with a ballot or list of eligible products, so ATPs and clinicians are free to name any currently available power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, seating system, wheelchair seat cushion, backrest, stander, alternative driving control, positioning component, etc.</p>
<p>Manufacturers and distributors are not allowed to nominate their own products.</p>
<p>The results give insight into what industry professionals cherish. Engineering prowess. Adjustability. Durability. Aesthetics. The ability to tackle a long-time challenge from a different perspective. The opportunity to improve efficiency in a clinic. Of course, a way to improve a range of outcomes, from clinical to lifestyle to transportation.</p>
<p><em>Mobility Management</em> shares the results in its annual July Best Picks issue, which has become an industry favorite, and a source of pride for Best Picks winners.</p>
<p><em>Mobility Management</em> Group Publisher Karen Cavallo said, “Once again, this year’s Best Picks demonstrate complex rehab’s continuing dedication to maximizing function and independence for people with mobility-related disabilities. We admire their efforts and look forward to their future innovations. Congratulations!”</p>
<p>Editor Laurie Watanabe added, “We ask a really straightforward question: Which CRT product has solved challenges for you in the last year? Many times, we hear that ATPs and clinicians are excited about new products, which is understandable. But a lot of Best Picks have been around a while. We leave the door open for time-tested, tried-and-true CRT that continues to deliver at a high level.”</p>
<p>Here are select Best Picks from 2017. <em>Mobility Management’s</em> next Best Picks edition gets started in spring 2018.</p>
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<p><a name=)
Comfort Company’s Acta-Relief
www.comfortcompany.com
Invacare Corp.’s Matrx MX2 Back
www.MotionConcepts.com
MAX Mobility’s SmartDrive MX2+
www.max-mobility.com
Motion Composites’ Helio C2
, the Helio C2 is at least 9 lbs. (4 kg) lighter than any other wheelchair in its category and designed to help the user go farther. The innovators at Motion Composites have truly stepped up performance and brought down weight so the user actually expends less energy to propel. The result? Amazing gain in mobility, while reducing the risk of chronic shoulder and joint injuries.</p>
<p>The efficiency in this product begins with its symmetrical X-Frame cross brace and one-piece side frame. This reduces weight and distributes forces equally throughout the frame for superior energy transfer and propulsion. And with a vertical axle plate to shave even more weight and decrease wheel flex, the user gains even more ease of use.</p>
<p>So whether the Helio C2 is being pushed, propelled or lifted it into a vehicle, this “Best Pick” means more freedom. It’s what a folding wheelchair should be.</p>
<p><a href=)
www.motioncomposites.com
Motion Concepts’/ROVI’s X3 Maxx
 suspension. The center-wheel drive ROVI X3 power base also features GP34 batteries and a unique chassis configuration for more stability and less overall width.</p>
<p><a href=)
www.MotionConcepts.com
Rifton’s Pacer (Medium)
www.rifton.com
Switch-It’s MicroGuide
.</p>
<p>MicroGuide is ideal for clients who require the sensitivity of a light-touch drive control as well as the feedback of joystick displacement. MicroGuide works with many mounting options, the most popular being armrest and the Switch-It BDN harness for chin control. Many power wheelchair users will enjoy greater independence when using the MicroGuide.</p>
<p>Metal construction offers significant durability advantages. MicroGuide works in a plug-and-play fashion and is compatible with most manufacturers’ electronics. Included with every MicroGuide is a 1” breakaway knob, foam tip knob cover and mini cup knob cover. It can be ordered with a built-in mode “smart” jack, which allows for mechanical or electronic switches to plug into the jack. The Switch-It MicroGuide is the perfect addition to Switch-It’s Mini Joystick product line, which also includes the force-based isometric style MicroPilot, giving the industry two great choices when sensitivity and durability are required.</p>
<p><a href=)
www.sunrisemedical.com