Orthopedic chairs - Sports wheelchair

Being a wheelchair user is no longer a barrier to playing sport. In fact there are very few sports that do not have variations, some rule changes and cleverly adapted wheelchairs that make participation in them possible.

The number of sports that have been modified for wheelchair use is continually increasing and there are competitive leagues and, in many cases, Paralympics events for many of these sports. Examples of some of the more popular sports include, basketball, tennis, table tennis, track racing (in a range of categories – distances), road racing, archery, shooting, other racket sports, etc.

Differences between a sports wheelchair and a standard model

In terms of performance and appearance, a sports wheelchair is quite different to a standard wheelchair. The modifications made to these wheelchair designs vary between sports, but you can always get a general sports wheelchair which will be suitable for a number of different sports.

The modifications that differentiate a sports wheelchair from a standard wheelchair include the following –

• A lighter and stronger frame (chassis), often brightly coloured.
• Additional frame sections to protect against impact with other chairs.
• A smaller modified seat that allows greater movement and does not restrict twisting or turning.
• Splayed rear wheels for additional stability and speed or turning, often with spoke-less (solid) wheels.
• Rear wheels that have there axle positioned further forward than a normal wheelchair to increase control and manoeuvrability.
• Small front wheels that resemble castors and enable very fast changes indirection (on the spot). These front wheels do very little of the work with most of the control and balance coming from the rear wheels.

General sports wheelchair

General sports wheels chairs can be used for all but the racing sports (mentioned above) and they are ideal for rackets sports like tennis.

Track racing wheelchairs have a very different frame design to normal chairs and this design gives them a dragster like appearance. They are built purely with speed in mind and they are steered by tapping a lever that makes small adjustments in direction. The seat design and sitting posture is also very different to that of other sports wheelchairs. Additionally, they have three wheels instead of four (one at the front and two at the rear).

With some sports specific wheelchairs, e.g. some tennis chairs, a fifth wheel is included and this extra wheel projects out from the back of the wheelchair. It is a small castor like wheel and it can act to prevent the chair from tipping backwards when very fast turns and changes in direction are made. For example, when making a sudden move backwards combined with turning the chair sideways to switch from playing a forehand shot to a backhand shot in tennis.

Extreme sports

Other sports wheelchairs include those used in extreme sports – a new area of wheelchair activity. These can be for activities like skiing, where the wheels are replaced by a ski. There are adaptive chairs for both snow and water skiing.

There is a further and much more adventurous kind of extreme wheelchair sport that sees wheelchairs that tackle a cross country circuit where the ground is often uneven and sloping. These specialist chairs can be freewheeling chairs or, in some cases, motorised and they cover a circuit that includes many hazards. This particular brand of sport is still limited and also highly dangerous, however it indicates the possibilities of wheelchairs developed for sports and outdoor activities.