Understanding Wheelchair Occupant Posture and Dynamics Prior to Egress from a Wheelchair

In this paper, we present the mathematical analysis of patient dynamics prior to an unattended egress from a wheelchair. This analysis provides the basis to develop an information system that provides remote caregivers real-time status on movement of unattended, unobserved, high fall risk wheelchair occupants. Most falls occur among the elderly, as they attempt to walk without the assistance they need. Fortunately, the unattended elderly in a wheel chair often shift about and reposition themselves over some period of time before they attempt to leave the chair on their own. Understanding the dynamics and posture changes associated with this repositioning activity is essential if one is to have the latency necessary to mitigate falls from wheelchairs.