Written by
Bianca Brady
BAppSc (OT)
APEX Mobility Clinical Education Coordinator
For those familiar with the song and dance, doing the twist will soon have another meaning. APEX Mobility and international supplier Klaxon are in the final preparation stages to launch the revolutionary power assist device, the Twist. The long-awaited power assist device (PAD) promises multiple avenues to achieve optimal access and occupational engagement for manual wheelchair users.
Researchers have completed extensive studies in propulsion efficiency and shoulder health for manual wheelchair users who self-propel. A full-time user can propel up to 2500 – 3500 repetitions daily and preserving shoulder health to maintain independence is paramount. Sustaining a shoulder injury of any nature, has significant potential to impact every aspect of daily life and level of independence. Consider being unable to lift your arms to wash your hair or put on a shirt, along with losing independent mobility.
Addressing the need to preserve shoulder health and function for manual wheelchair users that self-propel; clinicians and users work together to achieve efficiency in propelling with the slightest physical output for maximal distance. This is achieved through building an optimal system setup (through wheelchair frame, seating, and weight distribution, for some examples), education and training on manual wheelchair skills, and introducing a power assist device.
Up to now, we have had multiple PAD options that offer one type of setup, rear mount, hand rim activated, joystick control, or front mount with handlebar. Selecting the most appropriate one typically depends on which PAD meets most goals. This is where the Klaxon Twist will introduce the ability to offer multiple setups, opening up more possibilities, and optimise and maintain occupational engagement.
Rear mount power devices, especially ones like the Twist that tuck right under the frame, provide partial assistance and are an excellent option for indoor environments. The only limiting factor with these is that the front castors remain loaded and unable to navigate over small lips and terrains that may be a little rough and bumpy; here is where front mount devices would be considered. The standout benefit of the Twist is the option to have both rear and front mount (handlebar or hands-free) on the device. This opens up access to multiple environments where one device can provide benefits in optimising occupation engagement and preserving the user's overall physical and mental well-being.
On a final note, funding bodies generally approve one PAD for a rider, and the need to get it right is life changing. Careful evaluations and discussions between clinicians and users will continue to identify the most appropriate assistive technology to meet goals. With the right application, the Twist has the potential to really optimise someone's life outcomes and engagement.
For more information on the Klaxon Twist, contact the team at APEX Mobility on 1300 212 192 or email sales@apexmobility.com.au.