Requiring a wheelchair for mobility can be challenging. Limiting factors can have a
negative impact on quality of life and independence.
These limiting factors can include physical environments which may be inaccessible; a community culture which lacks an understanding of disability, and barriers to activity inclusion.
Clinical Recommendations
Quality of life and independence may be improved by an increased understanding of the individual’s needs, values and goals when providing mobility solutions.
The impact of standing on quality of life can often be overlooked due to funding guidelines.
Power Standing Wheelchairs
Studies have found that standing could have a positive impact on independence:
Both quantitative and qualitative findings supported a higher level of independence Vorster et al. 2019; Bayley et al. 2020
New functional abilities are associated with standing and enhance independence Young et al. 2021; Townsend et al. 2016
User Benefits
A power standing wheelchair gives the user more control over when they independently stand or sit, reducing their reliance on carers and restrictions in daily life.
1. Increased independence
Power standing reduces reliance on carers and allows the user to choose when to stand and sit, enabling increased autonomy and independence
2. Improved quality of life
Via independent standing, users experience improved quality of life through participation in group activities, at home and in the workplace
