Are You Using the Best Mobility Aid for Your Condition?

Using the right assistive device for your needs is essential. Having the right device can be transformative, it can maximise your mobility and help you meet your aspirations.

Finding the right option for you is not only about your budget but also your physical, medical, and lifestyle needs. Factors such as lifestyle, age, where you live and your disability should all be considered before selecting a product. It is important to remember that assistive devices are not one size fits all. Everyone’s physical needs are different, even if they have the same disability. However, certain product features can benefit people with particular disabilities.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand different mobility aids, their benefits, and how to choose what works best for you.

Understanding mobility challenges

It is important to understand that everyone is different, and even if they have the same disability, their physical needs might be different. For example, people with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) vary hugely. Someone with a high level of injury might only be able to move their head or neck, so they would not be able to self-propel a wheelchair. In contrast, someone with a low-level injury might be able to move their arms and trunk easily, so they could self-propel.

Many people rely on mobility aids due to different medical conditions. Different conditions have different impacts on the body, here we’re breaking down how Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Muscular Dystrophy affect people’s daily lives.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects movement and muscle control. It happens when the brain is damaged before, during, or shortly after birth. The effects can range from mild to severe.

How it affects a person:

Muscle stiffness or weakness
Difficulty with balance and coordination
Trouble walking or moving without support
Speech or swallowing difficulties
May use walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs for mobility

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

A spinal cord injury happens when the spinal cord is damaged, often due to accidents and falls. The severity depends on where the injury occurs in the spine.

How it affects a person:

Partial or complete paralysis (loss of movement)
Reduced sensation or numbness in parts of the body
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Can affect breathing or blood circulation
Many people use manual or power wheelchairs for independence

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy is a group of genetic conditions that cause muscles to weaken over time, It can start in childhood or later in life. There are many different types of Muscular Dystrophy including:

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) – is most common in children, and mainly affects boys.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) – similar to DMD but progresses more slowly.
Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) – affects muscles and other organs; and can appear in adulthood.

How it affects a person:

Progressive muscle weakness and loss of strength
Difficulty walking, standing, or lifting objects
Some types affect breathing and heart muscles
Fatigue and limited mobility increase as the condition worsens
Many people use mobility aids such as power wheelchairs

Each of these conditions affects people in different ways. With the right support and mobility aids, individuals can stay independent and enjoy a good quality of life.

Are you using the right mobility aid?

People with each of these medical conditions can benefit from different mobility aids.

1. Power Wheelchairs: Ideal for people with Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy causes muscles to get weaker over time, making walking or using a manual wheelchair difficult. A power wheelchair can help people who have muscle weakness or paralysis. These wheelchairs are designed for individuals who need full support to move around.

Gives independence: Can allow people to get around without help.
Saves energy: No need to push, so it prevents tiredness.
Provides comfort: Special seating can be added to support the body and prevent discomfort.

Key Features:

Custom seating & posture support
Joystick, head, or eye-controlled navigation
Rechargeable batteries for extended use
Compact & foldable options for easy transport

✅ Signs You Might Need One:

You get exhausted easily when using a manual wheelchair.
Walking or standing is no longer possible.
You need extra support for posture and comfort.

Check out SCOOT’s range of power wheelchairs: https://www.scootmobility.in/SubCategory/Power-Wheelchairs-1

2. Tilt-in-Space Wheelchairs: Ideal for people with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a group of conditions that affect a person’s mobility and balance. It can cause stiff muscles and difficulty sitting up straight for long periods. Having a tilt-in-space wheelchair can usually be very helpful for people with this condition.

Helps with posture: Tilting the seat back helps prevent pain and pressure sores.
Reduces muscle strain: Allows users to sit upright and relax and shift their weight.
Improves breathing and digestion: Sitting at the right angle helps with breathing and eating.

Key features:

The seat can tilt and recline
Adjustable head, back and leg support
Pressure relief cushion

✅ Signs You Might Need One:

You experience discomfort or pain from sitting in the same position.
You struggle to keep your balance while sitting upright.
You need help shifting positions to relieve muscle strain

Check out SCOOT’s range of Tilt-in-Space Wheelchairs: https://www.scootmobility.in/SubCategory/Tilt-In-Space-Wheelchairs-1

3. Ultralight Wheelchairs: Ideal for people with Spinal Cord Injuries

People with spinal cord injuries, especially those with mild to moderate injuries who can still use their arms, can benefit from a lightweight wheelchair for daily movement. Ultralight wheelchairs are often designed for users who have an active lifestyle.

Easy to push: The lightweight design makes moving effortless.
Turns quickly: Great for moving in small spaces, like home or at work.
Support an active lifestyle: Perfect for sports, social outings and daily tasks.

Key features:

Lightweight frame: Easier to push or transport
Foldable: Great for travel
Advanced materials: Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre

✅ Signs You Might Need One:

You want a wheelchair that’s easier to push and move around in.
You lead an active lifestyle and need a wheelchair that keeps up.
You struggle with bulky, heavy wheelchairs that slow you down.

Check out SCOOT’s range of Ultralight Wheelchairs: https://www.scootmobility.in/SubCategory/Ultralight-Wheelchairs

Other mobility aids that might help:

Shower chairs

A shower chair offers a safe and stable way to sit for people who have trouble standing while showering.

Key features:

Provide a secure seating option during showering
Available in various sizes and models to meet diverse needs
Durable, sterile and customisable for user comfort
Easy assembly without the need for tools

✅ Signs You Might Need One:

You have limited mobility due to Spinal Cord Injuries, neurological conditions or age.
You experience dizziness, fatigue, or fear of falling during showering.
You have difficulty with standing, sitting or squatting movements.

Check out SCOOT’s shower chairs: https://www.scootmobility.in/SubCategory/Shower-Chairs-Commodes

Standing devices

Standing devices help people stay upright and support their weight on their legs.

Key features:

Assist users in achieving an upright position safely
Support weight-bearing and postural alignment
May include support systems like straps for safety

✅ Signs You Might Need One:

If you have trouble standing due to a Spinal Cord Injury, stroke or neurological disorders.
If you have Muscular Dystrophy or other musculoskeletal disorders.
If you have a condition that leads to limited mobility due to joint stiffness or muscle weakness.

Gait trainers

Gait trainers help individuals who are learning or relearning to walk by providing support to improve their balance and mobility.

Key features:

Enable users to practice walking in a safe, supported manner
Lightweight design with possible features like armrests or chest supports
Facilitate learning or relearning of mobility skills

✅ Signs You Might Need One:

If you have broken legs or pelvis, have had a stroke or a neurological disorder.
If you have Muscular Dystrophy or other musculoskeletal disorders.
If you are unable to walk without assistance and want to improve your mobility.

Other factors to consider when choosing your mobility aid:

When choosing the best mobility aid for you, your disability or medical condition is very important. However, there are other factors you should consider as well.

Your lifestyle needs:

What daily activities do you need your mobility aid to help with?
What do you do for work and where do you work?
Do you need your device to help you commute?
Do you need it to be foldable and travel-friendly?

If you travel frequently, use a car for transport or commute for work you might want to consider a mobility aid that can fold so it is easy to move around. If you are a particularly active person you might want to consider a more lightweight device if you can move it yourself. If you are an active person who struggles with fatigue you might want a powered option.

If you are someone who plays a lot of sports you may want to get a specialised sports wheelchair. These wheelchairs are designed to keep you safe while playing. They have features like anti-tips and offensive wings to help with your technique. SCOOT offers both basic and advanced sports wheelchairs. If you play sports often or are thinking about trying it, check out our options. You can also see the wheelchairs in action on our Instagram.

Website: https://www.scootmobility.in/SubCategory/Sports-Wheelchairs-1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scootmobility.in/

Where you live:

Is it rural or urban?
What kind of terrain will your mobility aid need to handle?
It is somewhere you could charge your product easily?

If you live in an area with bumpy or uneven roads, you need a device with wheels and stability features that can work well in those conditions.

Comfort & usability:

How easy it is to use and maintain?
Can you self-propel or would you rather have a powered device?
Do you need a walking aid or would a wheelchair be easier?

Budget:

Choosing the right mobility aid is important. We understand that different customers have different budgets. To help as many people as possible, SCOOT offers both premium and affordable standard products. This way, everyone can find an option that works for them.

How SCOOT can help:

This blog has shown you a range of factors to consider when thinking about what mobility aid is right for you. However, when making this decision it is essential to come and get a free clinical assessment from your local SCOOT team.

What is a clinical assessment?

At your appointment, a clinician will assess your physical needs and consider your lifestyle, age, where you live, and your budget. They will use their knowledge of mobility aids to help you find the best option for you. After you choose your mobility device, the clinician will schedule another appointment to fit the device to your exact needs. When your aid is delivered, you will receive training on how to use it.

Why are clinical assessments important?

They are essential to ensure your chosen device matches your unique needs. As you know, no two people with the same disability or medical condition are exactly alike. Therefore, a product that might work for one person might not work for another. Our team uses their training and experience to evaluate what you and your body need to improve your mobility. Then, our clinicians help fit your chosen aid to ensure it meets your specific posture and comfort needs. They can adjust it to fit your needs or add additional seating or supportive devices to provide you with the optimum fit.

At SCOOT, we believe getting the right product for you is essential. That’s why we offer clinical services alongside our products to ensure you get the best out of your mobility aid.

Conclusion: How to find the right mobility aid for your needs?

If you’re struggling with mobility, the right solution can transform your life. Are you using the best mobility aid for your condition? If not, it may be time to explore better options.

At SCOOT, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s help you regain independence and enjoy life to the fullest.

Visit https://www.scootmobility.in/ to explore mobility solutions.
Book a free clinical assessment.
Find a product that can enhance your mobility.

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