Revolutionizing the Dynamic Footrest
Traditional wheelchair footrests are designed to provide postural support and stability as well as distribute weight bearing during sitting. When subjected to significant forces, the footplates may move out of alignment or the footrest assembly may be damaged. Dynamic Footrests move in response to client movement and force. As the client moves, the Dynamic Footrests absorb and diffuse forces, protecting the client from injury, preventing equipment damage, and providing numerous therapeutic benefits.
Clinical Application
Dynamic Footrests provide movement in response to client movement and force.
How does the ability to move affect equipment and the client?
- Forces are absorbed and diffused, protecting both the client and the wheelchair frame and seating system from harm.
- Extensor tone is diffused, reducing overall tone and posturing.
- Movement is provided, which can increase sitting tolerance, decrease agitation, increase alertness, and even strengthen the lower extremities.
Where is movement provided?
- Telescoping. This downward movement still absorbs and diffuses force without knee extension. This feature is appropriate when tight hamstrings limit active knee extension.
- Knee extension. Opening the upper to lower leg angle, in combination with the telescoping feature, follows the natural arc of movement which occurs when the knee is straightened.
- Plantar/dorsi flexion. When the lower extremity is extended, extension may be seen at the hip, knee, and even ankle (plantar flexion). This component absorbs and moves in response.
Benefits of Dynamic Footrests
Clinical Guidelines
Wheelchair Compatibility
Funding
Case Studies
Seminars
FAQsExplore the Dynamic Footrest
In Their Words
Myra Vasquez-Romero, OTR, ATP
Former Clinical Coordinator
Outpatient Pediatric Seating and Mobility Clinic
TIRR Memorial Hermann Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation
Houston, TX
“I have used these dynamic footrests with much success for my patients and my families. LOVE THEM.”
Judy Garber
Adaptive Equipment Technician
Skills Of Central PA, Inc.,
State College, PA
“I just wanted to send one last e-mail to let you know I installed the dynamic footrests on Amber’s chair yesterday. She is very happy with how they move and work for her. It’s an amazing concept, and so beneficial for someone like her. Thanks again for all the help with getting her the correct parts.”
Chele
Kylie’s Mom
Cody, Wyoming
“Before Kylie got the Dynamic Footrests, she was constantly breaking her footrests. She was fracturing pieces of metal and everyone kept telling us ‘this shouldn’t happen.’ Getting the dynamic footrests has cut down on trips to the supplier for repairs.”
Watch Me Move
Sarah - she loves to move!
In this video, Sarah is forcefully and excitedly demonstrating her drive to move – and how the Dynamic Footrests on her wheelchair are facilitating that movement.
Dynamic Footrest Overview
The Dynamic Footrests move with the client’s extensor tone and return to the original starting position. Allowing movement may reduce active extension and reduce agitation.
Determining if Dynamic Footrests are Appropriate
In general, if a client has moderate to significant extension and/or has a history of equipment breakage, Dynamic Footrests may be a welcome addition to their seating system.
Technical Information & Options
The Dynamic Footrests can be installed at the required angle and with the appropriate amount of resistance to optimize client use.
Resistance
Degree and frequency of movement will vary by client and may even vary throughout the day for one individual. Selecting the appropriate amount of resistance ensures force absorption and diffusion, storing energy to provide a gentle return to the starting position. If the resistance is too high, the client may not be able to move the component. If the resistance is too low, the component may not readily return to the starting position.
- Telescoping: Resistance is provided by a spring. Medium (Blue) is installed as the default. A Soft (Yellow) and Firm (Green) spring are also included to change the level of resistance.
- Knee elevation: Resistance is provided by elastomers. Medium (Blue) is installed as the default and should not be changed unless the user cannot move into extension. In this case, resistance can be changed to Soft (Clear).
- Plantar/Dorsi flexion: The resistance of the elastomers in the ankle joint cannot be changed.
Angles
- Telescoping only knee angle: Adjusts in 7.5° increments and telescopes downward up to 1.5”.
- Telescoping and elevating knee angle: Starting position options include 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50 degrees. The footrest can elevate up to an additional 30°.
Height/Length
- Pivot Point: The Dynamic Footrest matches the natural pivot point of the knee, providing smooth and efficient knee elevation during use.
Dynamic Footrest Options
Instructions
Blog
VideosWHAT'S NEW
Seating Dynamics is excited to offer a new product, a Lateral Knee Pad for our Dynamic Footrests! The Lateral Knee Pad prevents lateral knee and lower leg contact with the metal surfaces of the Dynamic Footrests and keeps the lower extremity in alignment with the pelvis, limiting excessive hip abduction.
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Footrest Resources
Free CEU: Muscle Tone and Tone Management: General Positioning Strategies for Clients with Increased Tone
Join OT Michelle Lange for this Free CEU on Positioning Strategies for Clients with Increased Muscle Tone.
Read More
Wear and Tear indicate need for Dynamic Footrests
With her feet strapped in static footrest hangers on her wheelchair, Alex demonstrates movement of her lower extremities and obvious wear and tear, particularly between the footplate and the footrest hanger.
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Large and Forceful Leg Movements indicate need for Dynamic Footrests
With her left foot unstrapped from her wheelchair, Alex demonstrates lower extremity large and forceful movements.
Read MoreADDITIONAL OPTIONS for product users
Combined Dynamic Back & Foot Components
