When we think about standing, we often think about the medical and physical impacts that it can have. Standing, however - specifically Power Standing Wheelchairs – has been shown to have a positive impact on a person’s function and participation.
Traditionally, the designs of living and workspaces has assumed that a person is completing an activity while standing.
Consider kitchen access such as work benches, ovens, and stove tops. Consider the height of cupboards throughout the home and workplace and even the placement of light switches. In the community, counters, shelves, tables, and tellers are often designed on the assumption that a person is standing. Standing enables an increase in participation, function, and independence. It may also result in a decrease of formal or informal care for an individual.
Power standing makes it easier to take part in activities of daily living (ADLs) which require individuals to be in an upright position. In an upright position, individuals can reach and visualise items which they would not normally be able to reach/see from a seated position. In a standing position individuals have a reduced need for over-shoulder reaching.
Power standing may also make it easier to take part in personal activities of daily living (PADLs). Consider standing for toileting for men and boys. Standing to urinate may reduce the need for assistance, other assistive technology, or reduce the time needed to complete this task. Standing for other PADLs such as dressing, self-care and grooming may also increase a person’s function and participation.
With the ability to choose when to stand, power standing wheelchairs can provide individuals with autonomy and the choice and control of when to stand, where to stand and for how long to stand. Power standing wheelchairs may even provide individuals with the ability to stand independently or with reduced support compared to without a power standing wheelchair.
Requiring a wheelchair for mobility can be challenging. Limiting factors can have a negative impact on quality of life and independence. Studies have shown that standing could have a positive impact on independence and quality of life.
Considering all tasks and activities - what functional goals may be appropriate to explore?
