The balance in a wheelchair is determined by the distribution of pressure between the front and rear wheels. Many people ride in wheelchairs with high pressure on the front wheels without tilt safety. Leaning forward can place unnecessary pressure on your intestines and will cause curving of the spine. The wheelchair will also become heavier to manoeuvre and this may damage your shoulders when twisting and turning.
How do you find the correct balance?
The centre of gravity of a seated person lies three centimetres above the navel. It is, therefore, important to have a wheelchair that can be set up and balanced correctly. If the seat can be adjusted relative to the chassis, the wheelchair can be set up so that the majority of the weight is placed on the rear wheels.
Lighter wheelchair ride
When you have found the right balance in your wheelchair, the ride will be thirty per cent lighter and you will be able to make more kilometres. Moreover, the neck pain, which many wheelchair users suffer from, will disappear, and during the day there will be less strain on your shoulders, wrists and fingers.