Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization

2.5.5 Armrests
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Users should use armrests only for temporary postural support. If needed, other postural support
options should be used to keep the user’s arms free for activities such as propelling. Armrests
assist in transferring into and out of the wheelchair, for example by pushing up on the armrest
(Fig. 2.14).
Fig. 2.14. low profile armrest
Many users find it easier to transfer into and out of their wheelchair if the armrests are “low-profile”
(closely following the profile of the rear wheel) or removable (Fig. 2.15.). In other words, armrests
should be removable, folding or low-profile for easy transferral in and out of the wheelchair. For
other performance factors related to the armrest see Table 2.10.
Fig. 2.15. easy to transfer
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