It's not what you push...It's what pushes you!

Disability Products Guides

Sportaid is proud to offer it’s series of disability products selection guides. From Wheelchairs to Catheters and more, these guide will help you pick the right products for you.

A Review on the Apex Challenge Circuit 7000 Work out Machine

Apex Challenge Circuit 7000 Workout Machine ReviewIf you like working out and would be more than happy to acquire a work out machine that you will use from the comfort of your house then this is for you! It can be used comfortably regardless of whether you are a paraplegic, a quadriplegic or an able-bodied person; thanks to its various stations that it is equipped with. It is no doubt one of the best workout machines being a product of a world leader in the fitness industry.

It is type of sports equipment technology crafted to work perfectly for both able-bodied people as well as disabled individuals. It further allows those with varied arm strength to perform at a comfortable level with minimum or even no assistance at all.

Arm Curl:-
Building sturdy noticeable biceps well separated from the forearms requires serious exercise and not just exercise but with the right machine. You will agree with me that the strenuous exercise is itself enough effort for perfect biceps, your comfort as you sweat through the sessions should, therefore, feature on your list of worries. The adjustable arm pad that adjusts to fit any user support and alignment is a guarantee. It allows both single and two-handed curls.

Seated Row:-
Further stability and comfort are added by the back pad telescopes which double as a chest pad too. And with the option of allowing you to chose a variety of options that could be the best to start from resulting in complete extensions throughout the movement and with a full work out of your middle to upper back thanks to the upper arm’s three handles what more would you ask for? Continue reading

A Critical Review on the Quickie 2 Folding Wheelchair

Quickie 2 Folding Wheelchair ReviewThe Quickie 2 folding wheelchair presents advanced technology and aesthetics to the folding wheelchairs arena. It’s made of aerospace aluminum that ensures the rigidity and strength of the chair while at the same time maintaining its lightweight. It is not only a great looking wheelchair but is lightweight and so easy to fold.

The Quickie 2 Folding Wheelchair Features:-

  1. Adjustable axle plates that will ensure you have all the floor heights that you ever wanted.
  2. The optional Q2 caster housing combines both durability and adjustability.
  3. The four-arm diamond shaped cross brace made out of 7005 series aluminum makes the redesigned cross brace more rigid, lighter and stronger.
  4. The upholstery that is EXO gives the chair a sleek modern style and further provides optimal positioning.
  5. A frame that adapts with you, as your body, the environment and function changes.

Continue reading

Features of Quickie Xenon² Folding Wheelchair – A Review

Quickie Xenon² Folding Wheelchair ReviewIntroducing one of the world’s lightest folding wheelchairs, weighing about 8kgs only and easy to fold, lift and transport. Your active, mobile lifestyle should not be hindered by your confinement to a wheelchair, quickie xenon’s rigid frame which is a confined fixed front-frame and streamlined design are the ideal wheelchair for maximum performance.

What makes the chair unique is the ultra 7000 aerospace frame crafted out of aluminum. The shapeLoc technology that it posses doubles its strength, makes the walls thinner and hence greatly reduces its total weight. The ovalised tubing gives the chair the sturdiness and lightness that maximizes speed and strength with every push.

At the heart of the Xenon² is a perfectly designed cross-brace that fits like a glove under the seat. It is not noticeable and the axle stem compliments it providing a stable, stiff chair found in a rigid frame but while at it offering the easy to transport folding chair. Continue reading

A critical review on the Tilite 2GX Folding Titanium Wheelchair

Review on TiLite 2GX Folding Titanium WheelchairIf you are looking for a wheelchair that is strong, rigid and can endure for a long time hence durable then you are looking for the Tilite 2GX. You will agree with me that the frame is the heart of any given wheelchair. The Tilite’s frame is crafted from aero-space titanium that ensures the mentioned features. Rough terrain with rough surfaces outdoors is exactly what this wheelchair is built for. These combined with the other amazing features make the Tilite 2GX one of the best choice of wheelchair you can make.

It has a unique side to side folding mechanism that minimizes folding width and maximizes portability. The shaft also makes folding and unfolding an easy task for you.

The chair’s frame is curved out of titanium, titanium is one of the strongest metals that exist on the face of the earth, breaking or bending of this frame is therefore completely out of question. The guarantee of rigidity makes it one of your first choices of wheelchairs to settle for when considering buying a performer. Continue reading

5 Tips for a Day Out as a Wheelchair User

5 Tips for A Day Out As a Wheelchair UserYou will agree with me when I say that it is harder to do some things when you have a wheelchair and rely on your wheelchair for mobility. That does not, however, mean that you should not get out and do what you enjoy just because you are a wheelchair user. A little planning ahead will help solve most problems that can be faced when using a wheelchair outdoors. The following tips will help you enjoy venturing out while in your wheelchair.

Consider the Weather

Unlike most people, you will be seated in your chair when everyone else is standing, your legs are going to be rained on the reason why you need to consider the weather and plan in advance. It is definitely not fun to sit in a wet trouser after a downpour. Also propelling yourself in mud or wet roads is tiresome and will get your sleeves wet and even muddy. Checking the weather forecast may not be the most practical thing to do each time you have to go outdoors in your wheelchair, but it may save you the misery of getting soaked. Continue reading

The Daily Challenges of using a Wheelchair

Daily Challenges of using a WheelchairNon-wheelchair users do not know the difficulties that wheelchair users have to face each day as they go about their daily activities. In this article, I am going to highlight some of these pains and difficulties in an effort to make you aware and hopefully find a long-term solution that will enable the wheelchair users to live more comfortably.

The almost Blind Spot

Owing to the fact that wheelchair users are below the normal or the expected level of vision most wheelchair users are not easily spotted by pedestrians or even drivers. This causes the drivers and pedestrians not to react fast and may result into an accident. This is dangerous for the wheelchair user.

Sitting and more Sitting

Spending all day sitting for a day, a week a month and even a year is not fun. The long sitting spells can lead to muscle cramps and sometimes even pressure sores. You will agree with me that the pain that comes with these is unbearable. Continue reading

7 Benefits of Exercising in a Wheelchair

Exercise is important for you even if you are an everyday wheelchair user. It not only helps you to stay in shape but also ensures that your muscles continue being active and do not deteriorate. Wheelchair exercising is beneficial, however; you should get advice from your therapist regarding the same since the exercises recommended may vary according to the individual’s abilities and the level and nature of injury or illness. The benefits include the following.

Emotional Benefit

Through exercising by participating in sport your self-esteem will be raised. Having to know what you are capable of doing despite your disability increases your self-esteem. Besides, your stress levels will be reduced when you exercise. Also exercising helps promote a positive attitude which many people struggle to have; as a result, your mood will be raised. The feel-good high will help ease anxiety and depression. This is true for both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users. Continue reading

Fantastic Features of The Invacare 3-Position Recliner Deluxe

Invacare 3-Position Recliner - Deluxe AdultThe new adult Invacare 3 position recliner deluxe is built with special features for durability and will offer you exceptional comfort. The recliner can be adjusted to three sitting positions: sitting, elevated leg or full recline hence it offers maximum flexibility for you. Keep reading and you will find out the many features of the Invacare 3 position recliner deluxe that you or your loved ones will enjoy each day should you settle for it.

Special Padding Technology

The choice of the padding ensures your comfort while at the same time offers support for the seating surface. The specially formed back and seat play a vital role in your comfort the type of padding chosen for the two must be carefully done. The Invacare 3 position recliner deluxe is built with these in mind and therefore has special padding.

Lumbar Support

The back of the chair is made to give lumbar support for optimum comfort. Support for your back is essential for good posture. You do not need to worry about discomfort and pain resulting from lack of adequate support for your back during the long hours you have to spend sitting in the wheelchair. Continue reading

Here are some tips to help you know what is appropriate when using a wheelchair

tips to help you know what is appropriate when using a wheelchairPeople have to use wheelchairs for different reasons. Being in a wheelchair may not be any one’s choice, it is however not a tragedy it is instead a means of freedom that allows to move independently. Here are some tips to help you know what is appropriate when relating to someone who uses a wheelchair.

Focus on the Person First

When you meet a person in a wheelchair your focus should be on the person first and not on the disability. An individual is a person just like any other regardless of his disability. You should, therefore, look at him and put your focus on him first. Everything else can come later.

Do not assume they Need Your Help

A wheelchair user may need a helping hand here and there. It is good to give a helping hand to a brother. But do not forget to ask. Do not, however, assume that he needs your help even if to your eyes they appear to be struggling. In addition, if your offer to help is accepted ask for instructions and follow them. Also if your offer is declined accept not for an answer and don’t press on. Most wheelchair users have their own ways of carrying out daily tasks. Continue reading

Tips on Choosing the Right Wheelchair Wheels

Wheelchair WheelsThe choice of your wheelchair wheels will depend on the use of your wheelchair. Whether outdoor or indoor, the terrain and activities you engage in will also determine the type of wheels you choose for your chair.

The smoothness of the ride combined with speed maneuverability and control are all related to the wheelchair tires, casters and wheels. Choosing these components is not an easy task it is advisable to contact an expert such as a therapist or health care professional to help you choose a combination that will meet your lifestyle, maintenance, and affordability needs.

Wheelchair Wheels and Components

Manual wheelchairs have two sets of wheels a pair in front called a caster and a pair at the back called the drive wheels. Power wheelchairs, on the other hand, may have up to three wheels; one caster and two drive wheels. One of the factors you should consider when selecting wheelchair wheels is how heavy they are and the environment which you will be using them. Spoke wheels are usually lighter than mag wheels but they require more maintenance. They are less suitable for moist surfaces. Mag wheels are mostly maintenance free but are affected by extreme temperatures.

Which Tires?

Tires can either be pneumatic (air-filled), solid and flat free foam, urethane or rubber filled. Depending on the terrain you wish to use them they may be knobbly or smooth. As a rule of thumb, you should know that tires affect how easily a wheelchair specific rolls over surfaces. The harder the tire, the easier it will be to propel your wheelchair and the softer the tire the harder it becomes to propel your wheelchair. Here are your choices: Continue reading