After considering the importance of drive wheel position, often the next step in this process is deciding which seat frame will best meet the client’s needs both today and down the road. As we expect power wheelchairs to suit the client for multiple years, it is important to have adaptability and adjustability in the seat frame. Consider the client’s diagnosis, co-morbidities and potential for change in function, size and shape. Consider their skin integrity risk and how they mitigate these risks. How is the person able to perform a weight shift or position change; is this likely to change? Consider how the client gets in and out of the wheelchair; is this likely to change? Consider what activities the client wants to do while sitting in the wheelchair and what power seat functions are required to allow this participation?
The seat frame you choose will determine the weight capacity, seat size adjustability, compatibility with power seat functions and
postural support it offers. Each seat frame type will also have slightly different options for foot supports and arm supports which may affect how a client can function independently in their world.
As with all equipment decisions, there are always considerations and compromises but hopefully, by understanding the key features and benefits of each of the seat frame options, you can give advice to clients about which might best suit their lifestyle and usage.
| Power Seat Function | SEDEO ERGO UP | SEDEO ERGO | SEDEO PRO | SEDEO LITE |
| QUICKIE Power Options |  |
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 |
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| Client Usage | Sitting all day/majority of day | Sitting all day/majority of day | Sitting majority of day | Sitting majority of day |
| Skin Protection Requirements | Very high/High | Very High | High | Moderate |
| Skin Protection Methods | Totally dependent on power seat functions (PSF)
Very high speed |
Totally dependent on PSF
Very high speed |
Dependent on PSF
High need with potential to increase over time |
Client able to perform weight shift but also requires assistance from PSF
Moderate need and stable |
| Postural Protection Methods | Totally dependent on multiple PSF, posture cannot be attained or maintained by a single power seat function.
Requires combination of multiple PSF positions for good postural alignment. Requires specific positions, programmed by the combinations of actuator movements for good postural alignment. These are called “Biometric Repositioning Positions”. Requires specific standing posture due to physical or functional or range of motion (ROM) limitation. |
Can manage activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) or vocational tasks with combination of tilt, recline and lift.
Requires combination of multiple PSF positions for good postural alignment. Requires specific positions, programmed by the combinations of actuator movements for good postural alignment. These are called “Biometric Repositioning Positions”. Requires specific end position in supine or tilt/recline/power legs due to physical or functional or ROM limitations. |
Can manage ADLs, IADLs or vocational tasks with combination of tilt, recline and lift.
Can attain good postural alignment with tilt and recline. Because of the client’s postural complexity, they would benefit from integration of the back support into the seat frame minimising loss of seat depth |
Can attain good postural alignment with tilt.
Only needs tilt or tool adjustable seat to back angle adjustment to maintain safe and comfortable position. Can manage activities with just tilt and lift. |
| Special Use | Client needs standing function.
Client would benefit from power centre mount leg rests for management of leg position, increased manuverability and ease of use. |
Client needs full supine function or combined actuator movements.
Client would benefit from power centre mount leg rests for management of leg position, increased manuverability and ease of use. |
Needs higher speed while in lift position to allow for safe travel in urban environments – for crossing streets within time allowed. | Client would benefit from the seat frame having back canes for easy removal of back support. |
| Activity Participation | Requires standing function to allow participation in ADLs, IADLs or vocational tasks.
Requires specific anterior tilted position to allow participation in ADLs, IADLs or vocational tasks. Requires specific standing “posture” due to physical, functional, or ROM limitations. |
Requires combination of multiple PSF to allow participation in ADLs, IADLs or vocational tasks. These are called “Biometric Repositioning Positions”.
Requires specific positions programmed by combination of actuator positions for participation in ADLs, IADLs or vocational tasks. These are called “Biometric Repositioning Positions”. Requires specific end position in supine or tilt/recline/power legs due to physical or functional or ROM limitations. |
Can participate in ADLs, IADLs or vocational tasks with just tilt, lift and/or recline. They do not need actuators to move together to create specific posture.
Does not require specialised programming of actuator positions for participation. Needs higher speed while in lift position to allow participation and involvement with peers/co-workers |
Can manage activities with just tilt and lift. |
