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NEW Dynamic Footrests

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.

seating dynamics dynamic footrest

Clinical Application

Seating-Dynamics-Amber-Extension-Dynamic-Footrests

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.
  • Rotation. When the lower extremity is extended, external rotation may be present, leading to the feet turning outward. The footplates rotate outward in response to client forces and then return to neutral.

Benefits of Dynamic Footrests

Provide up to 4 movements - Telescoping, Elevation, Plantar / Dorsi Flexion, and Footplate Rotation
Provide Movement in response to Client Movement and Force
Absorb and Diffuse Force
Reduce Active Extension and Posturing
Protect Client from Injury
Protect Equipment from Loss of Adjustment and Breakage
Increase Sitting Tolerance
Decrease Agitation
Increase Alertness
Increase Lower Extremity Strength

Explore the Dynamic Footrest

In Their Words

Myra Vasquez-Romero, OTR, ATP

Regional Manager, Lightning Mobility Evaluations, LLC
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

Seating Dynamics Sarah Footrest

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.

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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

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.

dynamic knee elastomersResistance

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.
  • Rotation: The spring can be changed in order to change the resistance level.

Maintenance

The elastomers and springs can be changed when worn to maintain optimal functioning. As the elastomer or spring repeatedly absorbs strong forces, wear occurs to this replaceable component, protecting the client from injury and the equipment from damage. The springs (used for telescoping movement and footplate rotation) generally do not require replacement. We recommend checking the elastomers for wear every 6-12 months. In general, if a client is moving the Dynamic Footrests in a certain direction too readily or not returning to a starting position, the elastomers most likely need to be replaced.

adjustable kneeAngles

  • 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°.
  • Footplate angle: The footplates can be placed anywhere from neutral up to 15° rotation outward to accommodate foot external rotation, often the result of tibial torsion. This is a static position, however, can be combined with dynamic footplate rotation.

Height/Length

  • Pivot Point: The Dynamic Footrest matches the natural pivot point of the knee, providing smooth and efficient knee elevation during use.

The Lateral Knee Pad (Part Number: 6304-90 HCPCS E0953) 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.

The pad, which replaces the inside cover, is 3 ½” in diameter and ¾” thick. Uses of bilateral pads will reduce the overall width between the Dynamic Footrests by ⅜” on each side. The pad has a machined aluminum plate base supporting molded urethane foam and a black neoprene and Dartex cover.

Dynamic Footrest Options

Adjustable Starting Knee Angle
Telescopes up to 1.5"
Elevates up to 30°
10° of Plantar / Dorsi Flexion
15° Footplate Rotation
Seat Rail to Footplate range from 5” to 20”
Lateral Knee Pad
Change resistance to meet individual need
3 resistance options available for telescoping movement
2 resistance options available for knee elevation
Optional 1 Piece Footboard (not compatible with Footplate Rotation option)
Swing Away feature standard

WHAT'S NEW

Seating Dynamics is excited to offer a new Dynamic Footrest option, Rotation! When the lower extremity is extended, external rotation may be present, leading to the feet turning outward. The footplates rotate outward in response to client forces and then return to neutral.
LEARN MORE

Footrest Resources

Seminar Watch Now

Free CEU: Muscle Tone and Tone Management: General Positioning Strategies for Clients with Increased Tone

October 17, 2024

Join OT Michelle Lange for this Free CEU on Positioning Strategies for Clients with Increased Muscle Tone.

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seating dynamics video alex

Wear and Tear indicate need for Dynamic Footrests

September 23, 2024

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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seating dynamics video alex

Large and Forceful Leg Movements indicate need for Dynamic Footrests

September 23, 2024

With her left foot unstrapped from her wheelchair, Alex demonstrates lower extremity large and forceful movements.

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