A Wheelchair that Stands Up


To stand or to sit, that is the question.  For many of us, this comment is just that, a simple question followed by an act of either standing or sitting.  Sounds simple enough but for some people, this is a question which isn't very often uttered or acted upon...until now.
To be able to move your body into different positions is very important both physically and mentally.   Being able to get out of the chair once in a while to stand, or to become vertically prone, is very beneficial in many ways.  The main benefactor is the circulation system.  To be able to circulate blood throughout the whole body, bringing oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body, is very important to the overall health of the individual.  Many times when a person is sitting, or laying in the same position for a long period of time, a decrease in organ and limb function, combined with a lack of skin integrity resulting in bedsores can result.

Being able to stand can relieve the 'pinched' circulatory system, giving the lower body free and full access of circulating blood.  With the increased blood flow also comes improved muscle activity, improved bone density and decreased risk of bone fractures, improved digestion, improved kidney and bladder function, and a better mental attitude.

For many people using wheelchairs, standing is something dreams are made out of, sort of like their own personal Maltese Falcon situation.  Now a person can combine sitting in a wheelchair and standing up in a wheelchair.  Rehabmart can assist the wheelchair bound individuals to be able to achieve a standing posture and a bigger smile with a Stand-Up Wheelchair. 

Karman Healthcare offers two Stand-Up Wheelchairs through Rehabmart, a manual wheelchair and a power wheelchair.  They both offer a simple push button standing adjustment operation which will transform the wheelchair from a wheelchair to a stander. 


   From library.rehabmart.com    The Karman Healthcare Power Stand-Up Manual Wheelchair has a T-6 aircraft aluminum frame and weighs only 56 pounds with the battery.  This manual wheelchair has a power motor to maneuver the chair into a standing position and a Denmark-made Linak controller box plus a nickel metal Hydr Battery to give you a total of 250 up/down cycles.  The flip-back armrest and side panels, high-grade flame retardant and breathable upholstery combined with detachable rear 24 inch high profile polyurethane tires and 8 inch flat-free front casters makes this a smooth and comfortable ride.
 

 - See the video on the bottom of the page for a better understanding on how the Stand-Up Wheelchair works. -
 
 
   From library.rehabmart.com        The Karman Healthcare Stand-Up Power Wheelchair  offers the same aircraft-grade frame and a simple push button standing adjustment operation and controller box, in addition to a DC24V. 320W motor that has a maximum speed of 5 mph, but moving more slowly is recommended while in the standing position.   Other features on the power chair are an adjustable backrest height and footrest height and angle, a knee support, safety belt, chest support and lap strap.  The seat is made with 2 to 3 inch memory foam and breathable nylon upholstery.  With 14 inch high strength flat free rear tires and 8 inch flat-free front casters combined with a cruising range of 25 miles between battery charges, this is one fine sitting or standing ride.

Being able to stand and see the world, and to be seen from a different perspective has great psychological benefits and increases self-esteem.  These chairs would be great in the kitchen, at work, or school, shopping, etc. and will also improve self-reliance and reduce assistance needs.

With Karman's Stand-Up Wheelchairs, many who couldn't before can now stand up and cheer, give a standing ovation, or just see the world differently while all the time reaping the benefits of better health and energy.


Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO