How Complex Wheelchair Technology Promotes Independence for Patients with ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting a person’s brain and spinal cord, causing it to lose connection with their muscles, slowly taking away their ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe.

More commonly diagnosed among military veterans, this degenerative disease has an average life expectancy of two to five years and can affect anyone, anywhere, anytime. Unfortunately, no one knows what causes ALS or why it is more commonly seen among military veterans.

With no known cure or treatment to slow ALS progression, for ALS awareness month, we’re bringing attention to this disease and sharing how advancements in adaptive equipment enable individuals with ALS to maintain comfort and independence despite the challenges posed by the disease's limited life expectancy.

Custom Wheelchair Features and Benefits for Someone with ALS

Power Tilt and Power Recline Capabilities

Power tilt and Power recline are innovative wheelchair designs that play a transformative role in the everyday lives of people with ALS. Both power tilt wheelchairs and power recline wheelchairs provide essential positioning options that help users manage fatigue, reduce the risk of pressure injuries, and promote circulation.

Power tilt enables users to redistribute their body weight without changing the hip angle, shifting pressure to the back for support. Meanwhile, power recline allows for a full-body extension, helping users rest, stretch, and manage muscle tone and spasticity. These advanced features are especially beneficial for individuals with ALS, who often spend extended periods seated in their wheelchair.

Given that most (if not all) ALS patients spend their day in assistive equipment, the risk for developing pressure injuries is high. Having the ability to tilt and recline within the chair allows users to reposition their bodies to offset skin breakdown.

iLevel® Technology for Enhanced Elevation

Newly approved by Medicare and Medicaid, iLevel® technology allows users to operate their wheelchair while elevated, offering unparalleled benefits in both safety and independence. Since the world doesn’t operate from a seated height, this feature creates a better sense of inclusivity and independence. This custom elevation feature is especially impactful for individuals with ALS and others seeking traumatic brain injury mobility solutions or spinal cord injury mobility solutions, as it restores a sense of dignity and inclusivity.

Dramatically increasing the quality of life for users, power-operated seat elevation can make life safer. It allows them to access common areas of their home independently and enhances the safety of transfers with its added stability. Additionally, it offers stabilization for safe operation of up to 4.5 mph. This means users can reach items on higher shelves at the grocery store, navigate crowds at eye level, and easily access high-top tables at restaurants.

Programmable Features for Quick Transitions

When grappling with ALS, voluntary movements and muscle controls are limited. Simplistic tasks such as picking up a fork to eat or turning off a light switch can seem impossible. Having the ability to create custom memory seating positions that can adapt to current surroundings can enhance the person’s independence significantly.

These memory seat functions, including both sequential and synced movement settings, are tailored to each user’s unique posture and environment. Sequential movements adapt based on moment-to-moment needs, while synced movements create fluid, single-step adjustments—critical for users who need predictable support with minimal input.

These programmable features provide added value for individuals facing spinal cord disorders or ALS, as they simplify transitions throughout the day and reduce the need for caregiver assistance.

Custom Mobility Equipment in Action

For those living with ALS and other conditions like spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, access to custom wheelchairs equipped with tilt and recline wheelchair technology can be life-changing. Check out how a custom advanced mobility solutions, provided by Rehab Medical, improved the lives of others living with ALS. Each story demonstrates how custom mobility solutions are more than equipment—they are personalized tools that empower people facing the most challenging health conditions.

• Sydni’s Story

• Angel’s Story

• Michael’s Story

Although custom advanced mobility equipment can help ALS patients achieve a greater level of independence, additional support is still needed to help treat the disease. If you or someone you know is affected by ALS, please reach out to the ALS Association for support and resources.