Mobility Management spoke with Brad Peterson, VP of sales & education for Motion Concepts, about the medical benefits of this bariatric positioning system.

Q: What were your goals when you set out to build this bariatric system?  

A: We have been manufacturing systems for larger clients for quite awhile, so we know that addressing the needs of the bariatric population goes beyond building a system that’s bigger and/or stronger. The system must address their unique shapes, weight distributions and transfer issues.

Our approach was multi-faceted: Obtain the lowest-possible seat-to-floor height with a popular, mainstream power base, and also try to create a balanced system that performs well.

Our first sliding seat was the result of working with a client with very large legs due to lymphedema. She was using a scooter, and her only method of addressing functional/positional needs was her Hill-Rom bed. As a teacher, she wanted to be more functional and independent.

Q: How does this seating system address the complex clinical needs of bariatric clients?

A: Besides the previously mentioned low seat-to-floor height, the Ultra Ultra-Low Bariatric System has endomorph canes and proper positioning of the back, lateral supports, armrests, etc.

The seat slides during transfers to promote proper weight distribution. The calf panel safely and comfortably elevates legs without the risk of skin tearing or shearing.

Individual ELRs, in comparison, can have a lot of sharp edges and small support surfaces that can damage skin…not to mention that they can have underpowered actuators. This system has a heavyweight actuator for tilting large loads, and the calf panel provides maximum surface area.

Q: Who is the “target client” for the Ultra Ultra-Low Bariatric System?

A: This system doesn’t have “one” target client. That said, someone who can still independently transfer with or without supervision – and wants to maintain that transfer status – could benefit. Also, someone who wants the benefit of a maneuverable, mid-wheel-drive base, but who is concerned about the inherent forward instability normally exacerbated by larger lower extremities, should look into this system. The Ultra Ultra-Low has the ability to accommodate simple tilt applications with heavy weight capacities, and can also accommodate complex weight distributions, such as clients with large legs who are not able to achieve proper balance with conventional systems.

The Ultra Ultra-Low offers customization, and adds mid-wheel drive as an option for larger clients. It is truly a system that’s shaped around people, and a system that maintains our warranties and delivers durability.