Cerebral Palsy wheelchairs
Cerebral Palsy (CP) wheelchairs are designed to support mobility and enhance your lifestyle while providing comfort. There is an extensive range of mobility aids available to support walking, standing, sitting, and your everyday activities. When selecting the right equipment to enhance your mobility, several factors should be considered, including your muscular strength and lifestyle goals. The right cerebral palsy equipment should be fitted to your unique anatomy, offer comfort during long periods of use and support your lifestyle.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of conditions affecting movement, posture and coordination. CP affects an individual’s muscle tone and motor skills, and in some cases affects speech, vision, and cognition. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to areas of the brain involved with muscle control. While it is not a progressive condition, the symptoms can change as the individual ages.
How Cerebral Palsy Affects Mobility
The impact of cerebral palsy on mobility can vary significantly between individuals. In some individuals, it might mean a slight difference in how they walk, while for others, it can affect their routine and daily life. Symptoms can depend on the type and severity of CP, with the most common forms including:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Stiffness and tightness in the muscles, particularly in the legs, which can make walking difficult.
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Involuntary movements which can make it challenging to sit or walk independently.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms involve poor balance and coordination, leading to shaky movements.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy: A combination of different types of cerebral palsy in an individual.
Mobility Equipment to Support Patients with Cerebral Palsy
Mobility equipment is tailored to enhance comfort and mobility for people with cerebral palsy. The best-fitted equipment varies based on the patient’s lifestyle goals, age, and current level of mobility.
Some cerebral palsy mobility equipment includes:
Active Wheelchairs: Ideal for individuals with upper body strength or those who need support over longer distances. They’re often lightweight, customizable, and easy to manoeuvre in indoor and outdoor environments.
Power Wheelchairs: If you have limited strength or control, powered wheelchairs provide greater independence and can be tailored with features like tilt-in-space or adjustable seating for maximum comfort.
Walking Aids: Children and adults with some ambulatory ability may benefit from walking frames or gait trainers. Walking aids can help with balance and encourage more natural movement patterns.
Accessibility and Home Adaptations: In addition to mobility aids, home adaptations can make daily life and routine easier for someone with CP. Stairlifts, accessible bathrooms, and adjustable furniture can all contribute to a safer and more accessible living environment.
