Spex Blog

Celebrating Six years of SuperShape!

We are celebrating a six special years of our SuperShape back support technology! Ella was the very first person to be fitted with our initial prototype six years ago.

Back Supports have a direct effect on sitting posture - Part 1

The back support, cushion height and width selection is dependent on a number of factors. The base of the back support generally runs from the height of the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS) to the chosen height against the user’s back depending on the support needed for stability and the freedom of movement required at the shoulders (e.g. if a wheelchair user is self-propelling).

Spex at the ATS-NZ Bariatric Event

The Spex team joined our first exhibition post-COVID, at the ATS-NZ Bariatric Product Education Day in Christchurch New Zealand, on the 13th October 2020.

We were excited to showcase some of the latest Spex innovations, including the new bariatric range which is not yet released. Discover what was on show in our expo wrap video!

Optimising Pelvic Stability in Wheelchair Sitting

This article is a simple refresher to pelvic anatomy, what we mean by ‘stability’ and how we can optimise this in wheelchair sitting. Clinical evidence to support this blog is listed at the end. An introduction to pelvic anatomy and an anatomically neutral position in sitting.

Anterior trunk support devices: Chest straps & Harnesses

Wheelchair users often require postural support devices (PSD’s) such as chest straps/harnesses to reinforce support and optimise function within the wheelchair seating system. This allows support in both the sagittal and coronal planes for stability of the wheelchair user in the wheelchair.

Anterior trunk support may include chest straps and chest harnesses.

Lower leg support considerations in wheelchair seating – Calf Straps

When providing a seating solution, the focus is generally on the seating cushion, back support and footrests. The primary contact surfaces are the starting point, always, as these provide the major contributions to alignment and stability at the weight-bearing surfaces at the pelvis and the trunk and feet in sitting. There are additional postural support devices and accessories that help to maintain posture in sitting so that sitting effort is reduced, and pressure is offloaded for comfort and skin integrity.

Cushion Contouring Considerations

Cushion contouring can provide stability, comfort, and help to offload pressure from the main weight-bearing areas of the buttocks and back of the thighs onto the medial or lateral area. This is achieved by maximising surface contact between cushion and the wheelchair user, maintaining or improving pelvis alignment and body posture and preventing factors that contribute to abnormal tone and pain.

Common cushion surface contouring includes:

Are looks really that important? Part 2 – the research begins!

How we think about wheelchairs varies from person to person. When I was researching information about the ‘look’ of a wheelchair earlier this year, there wasn’t really the information out there that I needed. When I wrote ‘Part 1’ of this blog, I was motivated to explore this further. This research is an opportunity to find out from people who use wheelchairs, their family members, and their caregivers about what actually is important to them.

Spex as part of 24-hour Posture Care Management: Illustrative Case Study

In February 2020 I met Jesse and his family during a Spex backrest handover and set-up. What struck me most about Jesse was how his 24/7 posture care management routine was so carefully followed and monitored to maintain his engagement in activities he loved, whilst preserving and protecting body shape since his childhood, following a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy.

Are looks really that important?

When it comes to wheelchairs that are essential for mobility and functional activities, these devices may become a form of self-expression and identity because they become an extension to the wheelchair user's body (Cifu, 2013, p.292). Children and teenagers may add decorative spoke guards or choose colours to promote self-expression. Therefore, prescription of assistive technology should meet functional needs, meet a clinical need and be nice to look at.

Medifab at Rehacare 2019

Team Medifab at the Rehacare Exhibition; Düsseldorf, Germany.

We’re excited to have been a part in the world’s leading trade fair for rehabilitation and care, along with over 700 exhibitors from 40 countries. Thanks to those who came to experience the Medifab passion, in our search for global partners who are skilled in Seating & Positioning.

Enjoy our video of the action!

New lateral support bracket options

To increase function of the Spex Lateral Trunk Supports, two new mounting bracket options have been created, and are now available for scripting.

These include both shorter than normal (for mounting laterals closer to the user's trunk) and one longer than normal (for mounting laterals further away from the client).

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Strollers and Pushchairs

Spex Paediatric Seating

Head Supports

Back Supports

Cushions

Seat Pans

Lateral Trunk Supports

Arm Supports

Lateral Pelvic/Thigh Supports

Medial Thigh/Knee Supports

Shoulder Harnesses

Hip Belts

Upper & Lower Limb Stabilisers

Tray Tables

Custom Modifications

Spare Parts & Hardware

Spex Blog

Celebrating Six years of SuperShape!

Back Supports have a direct effect on sitting posture - Part 1

Spex at the ATS-NZ Bariatric Event

Optimising Pelvic Stability in Wheelchair Sitting

Anterior trunk support devices: Chest straps & Harnesses

Lower leg support considerations in wheelchair seating – Calf Straps

Cushion Contouring Considerations

Are looks really that important? Part 2 – the research begins!

Spex as part of 24-hour Posture Care Management: Illustrative Case Study

Are looks really that important?

Medifab at Rehacare 2019

New lateral support bracket options

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Spex Blog