How Long Should You Sit In A Wheelchair?

Sitting has become the new “bad word” in wellness circles. People debate the pros and cons of standing desks, walking desks, trampoline desks, and using stability balls instead of chairs. But hearing sitting being compared to smoking or obesity does little to help a wheelchair user. How long should wheelchair users sit? Will shifting positioning help? What about using a reclining chair?

You should sit in a wheelchair for only 2-4 hours at a time. Changing positions while sitting is also advised, reducing the risk of pressure sores and stiffness. Intermittent chair exercises can also lessen strain when sitting for long periods. Transferring to a reclining chair can also be beneficial.

Wheelchairs are an essential mobility aid for many people. They enable individuals to get around and provide a way to participate in events they otherwise could not. However, sitting too long in one position is hard on the human body. But not everyone can transfer themselves out of a chair every two hours. Thus, they must look into alternative solutions.

It is recommended that wheelchair users only sit in their chairs in 2-4 hours intervals. While sitting, try to maintain excellent posture and keep the pelvis stabilized. In addition, having foot and armrests adjusted to their correct height and position will enable some body weight to be transferred to the limbs rather than only being held by the seat.

Prolonged wheelchair use raises risks of certain adverse conditions, such as the following:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is not unique to wheelchair users. The formation of a blood clot has long been known to impact travelers on extended journeys, especially by airplane. However, wheelchair users have a higher risk of developing DVT than the rest of the population.

Signs of DVT in wheelchair users include the following:

Ways to avoid DVT while in a wheelchair include:

Reduced lung capacity is a potential side effect of wheelchair use, especially when proper posture and positioning are not maintained. Armrests and footrests must be adjusted to the correct heights. The headrest, if used, must also be correctly positioned. Additional tools, such as a pelvic support belt, can also aid in raising respiratory function.

Pressure sores are more commonly known as bed sores but can occur in other situations, such as prolonged wheelchair use. Those who have reduced or no sensation from the waist down must be especially vigilant. However, these can also form in the back and arms if there isn’t enough movement. 

Signs of a pressure sore developing include the following:

If these early signs are not spotted, the sores can develop into open ulcers, which are at high risk for infection.

As with most wheelchair challenges, it is advised to increase circulation, change from sitting to lying, and use cushions and supports. In addition, it is recommended to avoid dragging the body when transferring in and out of the chair. Lifting as much as possible before shifting is advisable regardless if you are a carer or transferring yourself.

Muscle spasms and stiffness can plague anyone who sit for long periods but can be especially problematic for wheelchair users. Poor posture and an ill-fitting chair are two of the biggest culprits. But even fixing these issues will not solve all muscle spasms as stiffness unless movement and position changes are possible in regular intervals.

For those with paralysis, having a reclining chair can help ease issues when a transfer isn’t possible.

Osteoporosis can impact wheelchair users earlier than the average population due to a lack of weight-bearing activities. It is of particular concern to the spine, which plays a crucial role in keeping a wheelchair upright to enable proper lung capacity. 

Each wheelchair user has unique challenges when it comes to avoiding osteoporosis. Therefore, it is essential to work with a qualified and knowledgeable physiotherapist to advise what exercises will help an individual reduce their risk.

For those with greater mobility, it is often possible to find exercise routines an individual can do independently. For those with less mobility, passive exercises may be required, where a machine or another person moves the limbs for the individual.

In general, wheelchair users can reduce risks by shifting positions, stretching, and exercising to aid circulation. For those that can, even brief breaks, such as transferring to the toilet and back, can help alleviate some potential issues. Lying down or using a reclining wheelchair is also helpful in reducing harmful effects, such as sores.

In addition, cushions can sometimes help people shift their weight while in their wheelchairs. However, these must be used cautiously, as having a cushion hold an individual in the wrong person can also cause harm.

For ambulatory wheelchairs, it is advised to stand intermittently and, if possible, walk around, even if only a few steps. Changing to a regular chair or lying down will also help reduce the adverse effects of prolonged wheelchair use. As with full-time wheelchair users, even a short trip to the bathroom can help with circulation and help ease areas that endure substantial pressure.

Sadly, not all wheelchair users have the option to leave their chairs every 2-4 hours. For example, those that depend on assistance for being transferred sometimes only have careers checking in on them twice a day: to get them out of bed in the morning and to put them back in at night.

 Assisted living centers and nursing homes cannot always help patients in and out of their chairs as often as recommended due to staffing issues. In addition, if general chairs are used rather than one specifically for that resident, the feet and armrests may not be ideally positioned to ensure they are sitting in the best possible posture.

Wheelchairs are an incredible mobility device. However, prolonged use for more than 2-4 hours at a time can raise the risk of certain conditions. Movement, even actively or passively, and changing positions will help improve comfort and reduce the risks of sitting in a wheelchair.