Skip to content

Dynamic Footrest Hangers – It’s All In The Design

Dynamic Footrest Hangers – It’s All In The Design

Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS

Allowing movement at the knee is more complicated than it sounds. When a client extends at the knee, this movement is not just in one plane. In other words, the foot doesn’t simply slide forward. The foot follows an arc, forward and upward.

The Right Component And The Right Movement

In order to facilitate knee extension and a return to a starting position, the dynamic component must follow this rotational movement. If the component does not follow this movement, and at the correct pivot point, the mechanism may “jam” and movement will not occur. Selecting the appropriate dynamic component and correct mounting are essential. The Seating Dynamics dynamic footrests are designed to match these requirements and elevate 30 degrees past the starting position.

For Clients Who Press Downward

Many clients begin this movement by pressing downward. This downward movement may be seen without much forward movement, particularly in clients with tight hamstrings. The dynamic component must lengthen, or telescope, to absorb this movement and return to the starting position. All Seating Dynamics dynamic footrests include a telescoping feature which lengthens the footrest hanger by 1.5”, absorbing downward forces, and then guiding the foot back to the starting position. Combined with the  optional knee extension feature, telescoping allows knee extension without the knee “jamming,” as these features provide elevation and articulation (telescoping) simultaneously.

Movement At The Ankle

Finally, the client may move at the ankle into dorsiflexion (toes to ceiling) or plantarflexion (toes to floor). The dynamic component can provide movement at the ankle if this optional feature is requested. Plantar flexion is commonly seen in conjunction with knee extension. By adding this feature, ankle movement is absorbed, rather than force increasing over the ball of the foot, and the heel lifting off of the footplate.

As in all wheelchair seating, angles are very important in meeting our client’s needs. Dynamic seating angles are equally important in providing an effective solution.

2 Comments

  1. www.tcectexas.com on June 2, 2017 at 1:34 am

    Because people with physical disabilities tend to be sedentary much of the day, as caregivers we need to look for seating that allows for movement.

    • Michelle Lange on June 7, 2017 at 11:02 am

      Thanks for your comment, we agree!

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.