Vermeiren Neo-Flex U78, Neo-Flex U79, Neo-Flex U73, Neo-Flex U75, Neo-Flex U80 User Manual

N E O - F L E X

POSTURE
CORRECTION
AND SUPPORT
SYSTEM

QUALITY

EUROPE

Trunk stabilization

O p e n i n g u p n e w h o r i z o n s i n m o b i l i t y

N.V. Vermeiren N.V. Vermeirenplein 1-15 B-2920 Kalmthout Belgium Tel. : [phone] Fax: [phone] www.vermeiren.be [e-mail]

N E O - F L E X

POSTURE
CORRECTION
AND SUPPORT
SYSTEM

Good body posture is the one which ensures optimal stability,
requires minimal muscle effort to hold the body upright and
promotes optimal arrangement of internal organs.

Good posture is characterised by:

straight position of head,
physiological curvatures of sagittal plane and straight spine in

coronal plane,

 well-formed chest,
 shoulders slightly backward in relation to pelvis,
symmetrical alignment of pelvis.

Sitting puts the most stress and strain on the spine. Thus it is very
important that a person sitting in a wheelchair has proper back
support. There are three primary support surfaces: buttocks, back,
and lower extremities.

PREVENTION METHODS

 Wheelchair fitted to the individual user.
 Solid backrest and seat.
 Correct backrest height depends on the desired amount of

trunk support.

 Seat depth – allows up to 2,5 cm from back of knee to front of

seat.

 Seat width – allows 1.3 cm from the outside line of thigh and

armrest on either side.

 Correct lateral support for the trunk.
 Correct armrest height to allow for 30° shoulder flexion and

60° elbow flexion.

 Footplate position – allows 5 cm clearance from footplate to

floor, feet positioned parallel to seat.

 Stable cushion.
 Achieve balance between support and function.
 Use correct support belts.

N.V. Vermeiren N.V. Vermeirenplein 1-15 B-2920 Kalmthout Belgium Tel. : [phone] Fax: [phone] www.vermeiren.be [e-mail]

Uncorrected posture

Corrected posture – harness U79 type “H”
or shoulder belts U78. Must be used with
a two-point hip belt.

CAUSES
Wheelchair: seat to backrest angle too small and inadequate

trunk support to prevent trunk collapse.
Causes related to physical conditions: fixed pathological
kyphosis of spine, posterior pelvic tilt, tendon tension, tight hip
flexor, low trunk muscle tone, weak and deteriorated muscles.

WHY TO USE THE BELT

 extended trunk and retracted shoulder blades,
 reduced kyphosis,
 natural trunk alignment over pelvis,
 improved respiratory capacity,
 increased head control,
 better line of sight.

kyphosis

ASSESSMENT

 forward flexion of thoracic spine,
 lumbar flexion most often with posterior

pelvic tilt,

 little contact with backrest,
 hyperextended neck to see straight ahead.
incorrect breathing.

“Reins” type harness
Crisscross fastening does not restrict arm movement.

“H” harness

Independent fastening for each shoulder encourages
shoulder retraction and promotes respiration.