How Much Time Should You Spend Sitting in a Wheelchair?

How Long is Too Long for Sitting in a Wheelchair?

Whether recovering from surgery or injury or suffering from a disability, a wheelchair user spends significant time in a wheelchair. More and more, the medical community is pointing to the ill effects of sitting, and some even call sitting “the new smoking” in terms of the health risks it causes. But does that apply to a wheelchair user? Is it damaging for a wheelchair user to sit too long in the chair?  Experts recommend spending no more than four hours per day sitting in a wheelchair, but many people exceed that. Is it dangerous to sit too long in a wheelchair?

Why Do People End Up Sitting in a Wheelchair All Day?

There are many different reasons that people might spend too long in a wheelchair. Some people sit in their wheelchairs for all of their waking hours, which can be as many as 16 to 18 hours. This can happen if a wheelchair user isn’t able to shift from the wheelchair to another surface and doesn’t have anyone to help with this. Other people can manage for themselves but would rather have the freedom and feeling of independence that comes from the mobility of a wheelchair, rather than staying still on a different surface. Whatever the reason for prolonged sitting, it raises the risk of serious health issues.

Health Risks and Long-Term Effects of Wheelchair Use

Many of the issues facing wheelchair users who sit too much are the same issues as people with sedentary lifestyles. Anyone who spends too much time sitting risks excess body weight around the waist, increased blood pressure and high blood sugar, and unhealthy levels of cholesterol. There are also increased risks of reduced lung capacity, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, lower back pain, and stiff neck and shoulders. Too much sitting can also increase the risk of anxiety and stress.

Why a Wheelchair User Still Needs Regular Movement

In addition to those risks that are shared with anyone who sits for long hours, wheelchair users face additional health problems. Pressure sores often form because of the constant pressure or friction where the wheelchair meets the skin. Sitting in a wheelchair with little to no movement can cause muscle spasm or atrophy, and this can cause pain in the back, hips, and shoulders. Prolonged inactivity also raises cardiovascular risk and the risk of breathing problems, and can cause problems with digestion, as well.

Minimizing the Risks Related to Prolonged Sitting in a Wheelchair

Optimally, a person concerned about these health risks will find a way to reduce the hours spent sitting. One good way to do this is to shift out of the chair every three or four hours. Even just lying down every three to four hours, for 10 minutes, can help a wheelchair user reduce stress on the body. If that is not a possibility, don’t ignore the problem. Instead:

• Change position. Even if it’s not possible to get out of the wheelchair, changing posture even a little bit, every 30 minutes, can help.
• Recline in the wheelchair. A person who needs to be in the wheelchair for every waking hour should consider changing out the regular wheelchair for a reclining model. 30 minutes of reclining in the wheelchair will rest the body and prevent back ache.
• Do some exercises, intermittently. For those who sit for long hours without regular breaks, intermittent exercises can be helpful. Sitting exercises and chair yoga can be done while sitting in a wheelchair, and these can help build strength and flexibility, as well as preventing health issues.

Benefits of Not Using a Wheelchair for Long-Term Sitting

Shifting out of the wheelchair several times a day, or doing regular movements, can improve mood, self-esteem, and self-reliance. These tactics can improve bone and muscle strength and enhance blood circulation, reducing the risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and respiratory illness. If you are a wheelchair user who has been sitting for too many hours each day, you will find that beginning to move your body regularly helps promote better upper body posture, reduces fatigue, assists in maintaining a healthy weight, and reduces your risk of falling out of the chair. If you are temporarily in a wheelchair due to accident or illness, you may even find that you are able to leave the wheelchair behind sooner than expected.

For Wheelchair Rental or Purchase, Contact Texas Medical Supply

Spending too many hours a day in a wheelchair is a problem, but having a wheelchair is convenient. When you are in the market for one, trust Texas Medical Supply. Our locally owned and operated medical supply company, located in Houston, TX, offers an extensive selection of hospital beds, lift chairs, mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, and more. Whether you are looking to buy or rent medical equipment, we have something to fit your budget and lifestyle, including used equipment at affordable prices. Our team of experts is here for you every step of the way, from helping you make the most of your equipment to delivering equipment directly to your home, to assembling your equipment for you. Shop now to find the medical equipment you need, or contact us through our website for more information.