Before purchasing an All Terrain Wheelchair or Power Wheelchair for a disabled child, parents should ideally seek clinical advice from healthcare professionals (such as a paediatrician, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist). The goal is to ensure the wheelchair supports the child’s medical, postural, and developmental needs, not just mobility.
Below are the key medical and clinical considerations professionals usually assess before recommending an all-terrain wheelchair for a child.
- Full Mobility and Functional Assessment
A clinician should evaluate the child’s physical abilities and limitations before selecting any wheelchair. This includes:
- Strength and endurance
- Balance and trunk control
- Coordination and propulsion ability
- Level of independence vs need for caregiver assistance
These factors help determine whether the child should use:
- a manual chair,
- a powered chair, or
- a chair primarily pushed by a caregiver.
- Postural Support and Seating Needs
Medical professionals check how the child sits and whether additional supports are required to prevent deformities or pain. Important aspects include:
- Proper seat cushion and solid seat base to prevent hip rotation or poor posture
- Adequate back support for spinal alignment
- Headrests, lateral supports, or moulded seating if needed
Poor seating can cause long-term issues such as spinal curvature, pressure sores, or muscle imbalance, especially in children who sit for many hours.
- Growth and Adjustability
Because children grow quickly, clinicians assess whether the wheelchair can adjust over time:
- Adjustable seat width and depth
- Adjustable footplate height
- Adaptable frame length
Wheelchairs for children should allow for growth so the chair remains medically appropriate as the child develops.
- Pressure Management and Skin Health
Healthcare professionals evaluate the child’s risk of pressure sores. Key factors:
- Sensory impairment
- Limited ability to reposition
- Skin fragility
Appropriate pressure-relief cushions or seating inserts may be required to protect the skin.
- Weight and Propulsion Efficiency
For manual chairs, therapists look at the ratio between wheelchair weight and child weight.
If the chair is too heavy:
- the child may fatigue quickly
- shoulder injuries can occur
- independence decreases
Lightweight frames are therefore usually recommended.
- Safety and Environment Assessment
Professionals also consider how the wheelchair will be used:
- Terrain (parks, gravel paths, beaches)
- School accessibility
- Home layout
- Transport requirements
For example, some chairs are crash-tested for use in vehicles or designed to fit into standard cars.
- Trial and Clinical Fitting
Best practice is to trial several wheelchairs before purchasing. This allows clinicians to check:
- fit and comfort
- ability to propel or control the chair
- safety on different terrains
Wheelchair prescriptions for children are often finalised after testing different seating systems and frames.
- Ongoing Clinical Follow-up
After purchase, children should have regular reviews (often every 6–12 months) to ensure the wheelchair still fits and supports them properly as they grow.
Professionals parents should consult before buying:
- Paediatrician
- Occupational therapist (OT)
- Physiotherapist
- Seating specialist or wheelchair clinician
- Assistive technology assessor
