Best Picks 2011
ATPs & Clinicians Share Their Go-to Seating & Mobility Solutions
Thanks to the International Seating Symposium and a number of national sales meetings, spring has become the season of product launches for complex rehab technology clinicians and providers. We asked clinicians and ATPs, including our editorial advisory board members, to share with us some of their favorite seating & mobility products.
Many of the products on these pages are new, but other picks are tried and true. And as editorial advisory board member Rick Graver, ATP, CRTS, owner of Medtech Services, pointed out: “While there are ATPs & Clinicians Share Their Go-to Seating & Mobility Solutions ‘best picks,’ there are other factors that make the decision to issue equipment, like client preference, past experience with the manufacturer — good or bad — functionality, availability and service.”
While no single complex rehab product is perfect for every client every time, the ones on these pages have proven themselves to your peers in the trenches. And to round out our annual product & technology issue, we surveyed Mobility Management subscribers about their Best Picks and included their comments as well. Our thanks to everyone who shared their experiences.
ADI Aluminum Back
This company has been making highquality carbon fiber backs for quite some time, so their addition of aluminum backs will allow more clients to benefit from their technology. The way the fabric comes over the top provides padding and prevents the client from leaning against hard surfaces. They make an active and a deep back that are both very comfortable and provide the necessary support the client needs without being too intrusive. Also, they make them as small as 10x10" so I can use it with my little pediatric kids who need a little bit of positioning support.
— Lauren Rosen, MPT, ATP
Accessible Designs Inc.
(210) 341-0008
adirides.com
EasyStand Evolv
We like the Evolv stander because it has the ability to be adjusted to the patient’s need for positioning while standing. The components are easily adjusted and have the ability to accommodate growth. The components for lateral trunk and hip support help position those patients who need additional stability for standing. The adjustability allows this device to be used for multiple patients, so in a clinical or institutional setting, the Evolv can be used for standing trials or for therapy.
— Rick Graver, ATP, CRTS, Medtech Services
Altimate Medical
(800) 342-8968
easystand.com
XSensor X3 System
When people with spinal cord injuries are asked what part of their condition they are most fearful of and guarded against, the majority answer skin breakdown from pressure sores. Of all the ways of preventing and treating wounds, the most effective tool is education. The XSensor X3 has an easy-to-understand, high-resolution color picture resulting from the sensor pad that has a high concentration of durable sensors, in a fl exible fabric pad that is shown on a portable screen. The client can see very graphically and understand where the pressure is on their body. The different sizes of pads can be put on many surfaces that are areas of concern, but are not always obvious, such as the car and commode seat.
— Andy Hicks, ATP/SMS
The ROHO Group (American distributor)
(800) 851-3449
rohogroup.com
XSensor Technology Corp.
(866) 927-5222 — in North America
xsensor.com
Corpus 3G
I’m amazed that they’ve been able to improve something that I thought was close to perfection. The ability to adjust the back height in 1" increments allows better fitting of the back from previous versions. Also, the fact that every back is now a split back will help people who need to load it into the back of a car without an upcharge back. The ability to easily adjust the armrests makes deliveries and setup easier, and I like that the armrests can be allowed to move horizontally with the client in the chair so they can change the position of their support throughout the day.
— Lauren Rosen, MPT, ATP
Permobil
(800) 736-0925
permobil.com
M2 Cushion
This anti-thrust, positioning/skin-protection cushion addresses the ongoing problem of correcting a flexible posterior tilt. Unlike most anti-thrust cushions, this cushion does not gradually increase the height of the front of the cushion, but simply creates a pelvic well that is at a lower height than the front of the cushion. This controls forward leaning and tends to “lean” the user into the back of the wheelchair.
— Jeff McDaniel, ATP, Active American Mobility
The Comfort Company
(800) 564-9248
comfortcompany.com
Carrot III Car Seat
This is the only special needs car seat that actually reclines — not just tilt! — so it can accommodate kiddos with poor head and trunk control.
— Ginny Paleg, DScPT, MPT, PT
Convaid
(888) CONVAID
convaid.com
Granstand
Nowadays, folks don’t want to lift big kids and folks with paraplegia or weak legs/trunks — but if they have good hands, they can transfer themselves to use this product. All the user has to do is slide the sling under their bum. For folks with severe torsion deformity and/or knee contractures, this stander allows you to begin slowly, with partial weight-bearing and then slowly increase weight and extension over time.
— Ginny Paleg, DScPT, MPT, PT
Prime Engineering
(800) 827-8263
primeengineering.com
GameCycle
When an individual can increase strength, balance, range of motion, endurance, coordination and visual motor skills while having fun at the same time, it is a win-win for clinicians and patients alike. The height-adjustable GameCycle can be used by children, adults or seniors with chronic medical conditions, congenital disorders or have experienced a traumatic injury or illness, who are wheelchair riders or can stand. It features a user-friendly touch-screen interface, adjustable crank handle that can be used in a reciprocal or non-reciprocal motion, a side-to-side tilt that allows the user to “steer,” and visual feedback from the video during game play. When exercise becomes as addictive as gaming, the possibilities and benefits are as endless as the imagination.
— Julie Piriano, PT, ATP/SMS
Three Rivers/Out-Front
(480) 833-1829
3rivers.com
MicroPilot
It is unique in its function, adjustability and durability. The MicroPilot is a proportional joystick that senses the force exerted on it and requires virtually no defl ection. It is also extremely adjustable, allowing the sensitivity of the joystick to be adjusted from 10 to 50 grams of force needed to initiate driving. The MicroPilot utilizes metal construction on the interior of the product for increased durability.
— Ryan Hagy, OTR/L, ATP
Switch-It
(800) 376-9888
switchit-inc.com
Pacer Gait Trainer
We like the Pacer line of gait trainers because of the wide variety of prompts and accessories that can be added as needed to the device. All of the prompts are tool free so the clinician or family can make adjustments and add or remove components as needed. The Pacer can also be used posterior or anterior.
— Rick Graver, ATP, CRTS, Medtech Services
Rifton
(800) 571-8198
rifton.com
Q600
Electronics have user-friendly looks and access form adjustments. It has been my most quoted and ordered for several years. It provides great maneuverability and has few service-related issues.
— Mike Duenas, ATP, Active American Mobility
Quantum Rehab
(866) 800-2002
quantumrehab.com
Acta-Back Deep
Oftentimes our clients do not have the luxury of an involved or watchful caregiver. I am reluctant to provide adjustable lateral supports in this case, as they may become out of adjustment due to neglect or inattention. This back does add excellent lateral stability and features 2" of internal width adjustability, lumbar positioning, lightweight aluminum shell and three-layer foam construction. Unlike other manufactured deep-contour backs, this back allows me to provide a manufactured product with lateral adjustability.
— Jeff McDaniel, ATP, Active American Mobility
The Comfort Company
(800) 564-9248
comfortcompany.com
Quickie Q7
It is very lightweight due to the material used in the frame. The oval-shaped frame is strong, and adjustments are easy to make. Sunrise also offers many options and accessories so the chair can be made to the patient’s specific needs. We have a very active user who is hard on his equipment tell us that the Q7 is the most durable chair he has ever had.
— Rick Graver, ATP, CRTS, Medtech Services
Sunrise Medical
(800) 333-4000
sunrisemedical.com
JAY Easy Cushion
It seems that the JAY Easy seat cushion has been the most used and provided product I quote and order. It seems to work the best for a majority of the clients I see.
— Mike Duenas, ATP, Active American Mobility
Sunrise Medical
(800) 333-4000
sunrisemedical.com
22" SmartWheel
Finally, we’re going to start getting information about manual wheelchair propulsion in children. This smaller wheel will help in developing normative data for propulsion in kids as well as assist with wheelchair setup to maximize function and independence.
— Lauren Rosen, MPT, ATP
Three Rivers/Out-Front
(480) 833-1829
3rivers.com
KIT
Looking for a positioning product that mirrors a custom product, but will be able to change as the teenager or adult changes, deteriorates or has surgery? This amazing system has three trunk panels that can accommodate the trunk in three dimensions/planes. It’s ideal for the classroom or group home, where you may need to use it for more than one client. If I was looking for a power mobility assessment chair, this would be it.
— Ginny Paleg, DScPT, MPT, PT
Otto Bock
(800) 328-4058
ottobockkids.com
EasyStand Bantam
For my pediatric clients, the Bantam works the best and really gives the best of both worlds with sit-to-stand or supine positioning.
— Mike Duenas, ATP, Active American Mobility
Altimate Medical
(800) 342-8968
easystand.com
Belt Buckle
Yes, I really like a belt buckle. This new buckle is easy to adjust, change to a different style or add one of many “reduced access covers.” It’s just much nicer than the other buckles on other belts.
— Lauren Rosen, MPT, ATP
Bodypoint
(800) 547-5716
bodypoint.com
Q6 Edge
Delivers the durability and performance characteristics of Quantum Rehab’s popular Q6 power chair series. With features like low seat-to-floor heights, standard 4-pole motors, Mid-Wheel 6 Drive Design and ATX Suspension, the Q6 Edge is engineered to meet the performance needs of the most active user. It accepts a complete range of seating and electronics options, including the exclusive TRU-Balance Power Positioning Systems.
Quantum Rehab
(866) 800-2002
quantumrehab.com
C500 VS
We like this power standing wheelchair because it has the ability to be drivable while standing. We had a patient who was limited to the amount of time he could spend in his wheelchair due to pressure concerns. Having the ability to stand during the day allowed him to spend more time up enjoying activities with family and friends, plus he was able to get to eye level.
— Rick Graver, ATP, CRTS, Medtech Services
Permobil
(800) 736-0925
permobil.com
Pronto M51
We like the M51 because of the SureStep suspension that keeps all six wheels on the ground for additional stability. While we like to offer choices between manufacturers when it comes to K0823 power wheelchairs, we have had a number of patients who have tried the different models choose the M51 because they felt the seat was more comfortable and the ride was smoother.
— Rick Graver, ATP, CRTS, Medtech Services
Invacare Corp.
(800) 333-6900
invacare.com
ST1500 Sensors
The new seat and back sensors are available in two different incontinence-resistant covers, which means added convenience for providers and clinicians conducting the pressure mapping sessions. The sensors’ stretchability helps to eliminate hammocking concerns.
Vista Medical
(800) 563-7676
pressuremapping.com
Matrx Flovair
We like the Matrx Flovair cushion because of its design. The combination of fluid, air and foam provides good pressure relief and is comfortable for our patients. The incontinence liner is a nice feature to keep the cushion clean, and the cover is durable and has good stretch. Wheelchair cushions are such a critical component to the seating system that the therapeutic value has to be determined for each patient individually — for that reason there is not one cushion that is the answer for all patients.
— Rick Graver, ATP, CRTS, Medtech Services
Invacare Corp.
(800) 333-6900
motionconcepts.com
Motion Concepts
(888) 433-6818
motionconcepts.com
ZRA Series 2
The newest version of TiLite’s titanium chairs has only continued to improve on a great chair. The chair is 20 percent lighter than the previous model, has a patent-pending caster housing that is quick and easy to adjust, and has better axle plate adjustability for center of gravity and rear seat height adjustment. My clients love the way the chair looks, too. Aesthetics are so important in a manual wheelchair, and clearly this was well thought through.
— Lauren Rosen, MPT, ATP
TiLite
(800) 545-2266
tilite.com
Standing System
As seen at this year’s International Seating Symposium, this new system is designed for Group 3 power wheelchairs with front- or rear-wheel-drive configurations. The module stands clients from a tilted position. The system features 45° of tilt and seat elevation of 7.75".
Motion Concepts
(888) 433-6818
motionconcepts.com
Fuze T50 Jr.
I haven’t gotten to use one of these yet, but I’m really excited to try this out. It’s a really good-looking chair with a small footprint for a tilt-in-space. It tilts nicely using a pivot-point center-of-gravity tilt that is very comfortable for the child. The chair is also easy to adjust, so delivery or growth of the system doesn’t take long. Plus, the transit option is included. So if you live in a state like mine where those are not covered, it is a way to more safely secure wheelchairs for transport.
— Lauren Rosen, MPT, ATP
PDG Mobility Technologies
(888) 858-4422
pdgmobility.com
Cushion& Custom Backs
I think that this is a one-ofa-kind system in that it is the only option in our industry that provides a slim, lightweight, breathable option for clients requiring custom seating. This system can be fit onto almost all types of wheelchairs and offers the client the best of both worlds: positioning and function. The Ride cushion is unique in that it addresses each external cause of pressure ulcers: pressure, moisture and shearing. By loading the ASIS and femur, this cushion off-loads the bony prominences. Additionally, the foam and cover are breathable, lightweight and can address almost any positioning need.
— Jeff McDaniel, ATP, Active American Mobility
Ride Designs
(866) 781-1633
ridedesigns.com
M300
This new offering gives Permobil coverage in the most popular power chair drive configuration — midwheel drive — while also maintaining respectable obstacle-climbing capabilities, which the manufacturer’s front-wheel-drive chairs are well known for.
Permobil
(800) 736-0925
permobil.com
JAY Zip Cushion
Accidents happen, but they shouldn’t keep a busy kid from getting on with his day! The new Zip cushion — starting at 8x8" — is sized for kids and designed with them in mind, too. It has an inner cover that minimizes moisture from reaching the foam base, and an outer cover made of silver-impregnated X-static material that inhibits bacterial growth. And the Zip ships with two outer covers, so one can be in the wash while the other is being used.
Sunrise Medical
(800) 333-4000
sunrisemedical.com
Matrx PS Cushion
This cushion has been around for awhile in the adult population, and I use it a lot for patients with no skin issues or obliquities. The pediatric model is a welcome addition to my clinic. The cushion is foam with a waffl ed ischial relief recess area that provides just enough pressure relief in kids. It’s easy to use, easy to clean with the incontinence cover, and the kids report that it’s comfortable. It’s also priced right so my suppliers are able to afford it with all of my payor sources, which is really important.
— Lauren Rosen, MPT, ATP
Motion Concepts
(888) 433-6818
motionconcepts.com
Invacare Corp.
(800) 333-6900
invacare.com
Q-Logic Handheld Programmer
Quantum released its second-generation handheld programmer for Q-Logic Drive Controls. The new Q-Logic Handheld Programmer is packed with unique, highly functional features to ensure increased efficiencies and decreased programming time. A high-resolution, color LCD display and backlight allow for a wealth of information to be seen at once, and an icon-based menu for Windows-like navigation structure provides more information than ever before and allows for easy onehanded operation.
Quantum Rehab
(866) 800-2002
quantumrehab.com
Dynamic Rocker Back
The Dégagé Dynamic Rocker Back, available on the Invacare Solara 3G (pictured), but also sold directly via Dégagé, accommodates aggressive rockers, such as children with uncontrolled extension of the upper and lower extremities. The rocker back will allow an individual to move in the direction they are pushing and as a result may help reduce some of the forces to the body by being more forgiving. It may also help reduce discomfort, pain and increase attention/performance in a school setting.
— Lois Brown, MPT, ATP
Dégagé
(303) 986-9300
degage.us
This article originally appeared in the May 2011 issue of Mobility Management.