Page 283 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

272 HANDBOOK OF ELECTRONIC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

• Stand-up (i.e., moves the individual from sitting into standing, always in combination
with an anterior knee/lower leg brace, and often with other postural supports,
depending on the level of ability).
• Lie-down (although recline opens the hip angle, few chairs facilitate a fully supine
position; lie-down and stand-up are typically achieved in the same chair).

Tilt-In-Space and Recline Functions
It is important to be clear on the meanings of these terms as they are often confused with
each other. Tilt (Fig. 9-1A) is the ability of the seat, back and leg supports to move as one
unit, which maintains the hip and knee flexion angles. Recline (Fig. 9-1B) refers only to
movement of the back support (i.e., opening and closing the hip flexion/extension angle).
The effects of these two functions are distinct, but can be complementary if clearly
understood and applied to the appropriate set of circumstances. The benefits and limita-
tions of tilt and recline are described in more detail in the following sections. Some of these
overlap because one implication often relates directly to/is influenced by the other:
• Change in position: Many wheelchair users who require a powered chair are not able
to change their posture independently and so will be reliant upon the technology of
powered articulations such as tilt-in-space and recline to make adjustments to their
position according to function, social setting, pain and discomfort, where even slight
alterations to position can be beneficial:

(A)

(B)

FIGURE 9-1 (A) Tilt-in-space� (B) Recline�