Standing Wheelchairs, Stand Up Wheelchairs

 What is a Stand Up Wheelchair?

Stand up wheelchairs are designed with built-in technology to lift the user into a supported and secured standing position, and then lower the user back into a seated position. They can offer manual operation, fully powered operation, or operation that includes both manual and powered options. Some models may have power-operated wheels and manual standing lift mechanisms, while others may be fully powered with hydraulic systems.

While model designs vary, the basic premise of all standing wheelchairs is to offer the wheelchair user the ability to get into a standing position whenever they desire to do so, rather than having to wait for a caregiver to help with transferring to a standing device. Not only does standing help with physical health, but being able to interact with others eye-to-eye and have the ability to perform daily living tasks is a great emotional and mental boon for wheelchair users who have been forced to sit for so long.

Stand up wheelchairs come with a multitude of special features to make the chair adjustable to the individual user’s unique needs and requirements. Straps, supports and safety belts for the chest, torso, knees and legs help keep the user secured during the standing process, while adjustable backrests, headrests, armrests and footrests aid in keeping the user in proper alignment while sitting or standing. Durably constructed frames, comfortably padded seats, breathable upholstery, flip away armrests and footrests, flat-free tires and reliable powered or manual standing technology all conspire to offer the user the most satisfactory wheelchair experience.

The Benefits of a Stand Up Wheelchair

Standing wheelchairs are a wonderful health and mobility solution for all kinds of users, even those with severe disabilities. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before choosing a stand up wheelchair, as a medical professional is required to help with the prescription, assessment and training for how to use this equipment correctly and safely. Stand up wheelchairs are often used by individuals with spinal cord injuries, paraplegia, quadriplegia, spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, stroke and Rett Syndrome.
Standing wheelchairs offer a significant increase in vertical access for typical wheelchair users, allowing them to safely reach and use light switches, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, sinks, mirrors, thermostats, appliances and many other surfaces that are normally out of reach when sitting in a wheelchair. Stand up wheelchairs help users to increase this functional reach and perform more activities of daily living on their own, without assistance.

The ability to be able to stand when needed or desired for both indoor and outdoor activities can greatly aid a user’s integration and productivity at school, work, church and any other activities such as shopping, or recreational. This helps wheelchair users to change their focus from their disabilities to a focus on what they are able to do instead. Feelings of independence and self-esteem expand as the individual finds increasing freedom from increased abilities.

Safety is also enhanced with the use of a stand up wheelchair because transfers are minimized. With the ability to stand with the wheelchair, transfers with or without other equipment are unnecessary, cutting down on the risk of injury for both the wheelchair user and caregiver. Because the individual does not have to rely on someone else for standing help, the wheelchair user tends to stand more often with a standing wheelchair, which also leads to improved health.

The health benefits abound for users who utilize standing wheelchairs. Numerous studies have reported specific positive physical benefits shown for circulation, cardiovascular health, bone density, urinary health, digestive and intestinal health, vital organ maintenance, healthy muscle tone, range of motion and all kinds of psycho-social advantages.

The Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) stated in 2007 that standing wheelchair devices are often medically necessary for the following reasons:

To enhance independence and productivity
To improve functional reach enabling participation in activities of daily living such as reaching medication, cooking, grooming, etc.
To improve passive range of motion
To improve circulation
To maintain bone mineral density
To maintain vital organ capacity
To reduce urinary tract infections
To reduce abnormal muscle tone and spasticity
To reduce skeletal deformities
To reduce pressure sores
To enhance psychological well-being

Because wheelchair users often experience problematic, painful and costly secondary complications due to sitting for long periods of time, standing with a stand up wheelchair can be an effective solution to counterbalancing a lot of these negative effects. While standing frame devices are great for this, too, studies have shown that when the standing technology is incorporated right into the wheelchair base that wheelchair users tend to stand more often than they would with a separate standing device. The integration of standing within the chair allows for more random, frequent and independent actions of standing, which in turn leads to improved health and quality of life.

Stand up wheelchair users often experience a heightened sense of self-esteem and equality with others by engaging in eye-to-eye conversations with a non-disabled society. Disabilities become less evident, acceptance is perceived by the wheelchair user to be higher, and feelings of depression and frustration are reduced.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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