Types of Reclining Wheelchairs: Tilt-in-Space vs. Recline

Whether you choose a manual, power, or electric wheelchair, you’ll at times want to recline the backrest to relieve pressure and reduce the risk of pressure injury. Unfortunately, not all wheelchairs have a recliner backrest.

Wheelchairs that recline have a reclining range from 90% to almost a lying position of 180%. Recliner wheelchairs fall into two categories: Tilt and Recline Power Wheelchairs and the reclining manual wheelchairs.

Benefits of a Reclining Wheelchair

A wheelchair's ability to tilt or recline offers many physical and medical benefits to the body. And to the elderly, a reclining wheelchair is essential due to the many hours spent sitting. Here are the reasons why you need a recliner wheelchair:

a) Pressure relief    

As the sitting position changes from 90%, weight distribution begins from under the user's buttocks. This results in pressure distribution to a large body surface area, thus relieving pressure from the buttocks. 

b) Increase blood circulation    

According to a “Wheelchair Tilt-in-Space and Recline Functions” study by the National Library of Medicine, Ischial blood flow increases significantly as recline and tilt-in-space angles increase. Increasing the wheelchair reclining angle increases blood flow to the body tissues.

c) Improve functional posture  

As a wheelchair reclines, the body's sitting posture changes. This alters the whole body’s functional posture. Tilting or reclining a wheelchair to around a 135-degree angle relieves stress on the spine, thereby reducing strain on the body's tissues and muscles.

d) Reducing physical strain  

The more you sit upright, the more the physical strain on the neck, back, legs, and even arms. To reduce the physical strain when seated in a wheelchair, recline the chair.

Types of Reclining Wheelchair  

There are two main models of wheelchairs that can recline: the tilt-in-space and the recline wheelchair. To select the ideal reclining wheelchair type, it's important that you know the main features, advantages, and disadvantages. 

i) Tilt-in-Space Power Wheelchairs

The tilt-in-space wheelchairs are equipped with a seat tilting mechanism. With this type, the tilt mechanism tilts the chair from its standard position as one unit from its support frame. As the chairs tilt as one unit, the knees, hip, and ankles maintain their angle.

The XSTO M4 Power tilting wheelchair allows you to tilt the seat backward to your convenient inclination angle. This helps relieve pressure on your body, redistribute body weight, improve blood circulation, and improve posture. The smooth upholstery on the seat further enhances your comfort.

Advantages of tilt-in-space power wheelchairs

a)  Assist in corrective body posture

b)  Reduce pressure injuries due to sitting in one position for long periods

c) Elevating the feet promotes relaxation

d) Tilt-in-space wheelchairs are light, portable, and easy to operate 

e) Relieve strain on body parts like the neck and spinal

Disadvantages of tilt-in-space power wheelchairs

a)  Compared to standard wheelchairs, tilt-in-space wheelchairs are slightly heavier

b)  Manual tilt-in-space wheelchairs, full function isn’t realised where assistance is limited according to NIH.

ii) Reclining Wheelchairs

The reclining wheelchairs offer up to a 90-degree angle reclination, thus leaving the user in an almost lying position. Recliner wheelchairs have either a manual reclining system, hydraulic, or electric-operated system. Reclining wheelchairs with elevating legrests allow changing of the leg and ankle reclination angle. 

Advantages of reclining manual wheelchairs

a)  The reclining back adjusts from the 90-degree sitting position to a 180-degree position

b)  They offer the flexibility needed to relieve stress on the buttocks

c) Prevents pressure sores

d) Offer extra relaxation and comfort

Disadvantages of reclining manual wheelchairs

a)  Reclining wheelchairs are heavy

b)  potential danger of sliding the backrest into a slumped position when riding down a slope at an inclined position.

Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair vs Recliner Wheelchair  

When comparing these two wheelchair types, look at their features. From the maximum reclination angle to detachable accessories, the two types are different. Their design structure determines your physical and psychological satisfaction.

You’ll find recliner wheelchairs more in medical facilities than the tilt-in-space, while the latter is more common in offices and outdoors than the former. These application differences show the difference in benefits between the two. 

Tips to Choose the Right Tilt-in-Space and Recliner Wheelchair

Every wheelchair has its unique features, and every wheelchair user has specific needs. To select the right tilt-in-space or a recliner wheelchair, you’ve to consider factors such as padding, frame durability, maximum angle of reclination, and the quality of the upholstery materials.

Here are other tips to help you choose the best reclining wheelchair: 

a) Select a recliner wheelchair with anti-tipping features

When going down a slope with the chair inclined, safety becomes critical. To ensure the wheelchair won’t tip backward unexpectedly, choose a recliner wheelchair with an anti-tipping feature. Anti-tippers also increase the wheelchair’s stability.

b) Consider recliner wheelchair adjustability

Now that you want a wheelchair that reclines, its adjustability will determine the degree of functionality. This is the wheelchair's tilt and recline ability. Select a wheelchair that you can set the inclination angle, and if possible, without support.

c) Opt for a recliner wheelchair with hydraulic assist

Hydraulic systems promise a smooth seat inclination. Most recliner power wheelchairs, such as the XSTO wheelchairs, use a hydraulic system. When looking for a recliner wheelchair to buy,  go for those with hydraulic reclining mechanisms.

d) Consider the wheelchair comfort

Not every reclining wheelchair is padded or cushioned to your expectations. To withstand long sitting periods in a wheelchair, select one that has soft, breathable upholstery.  Besides a cushion, padded armrests, and backrests promise extra comfort.

Conclusion 

Even though the tilt-in-space wheelchairs have a different inclination system from the recliner wheelchair, they offer similar benefits, such as reducing strain on the spine and providing comfort. The difference in features between these two determines the user experience.