A patient with C3 ASIA A SCI uses a power reclining wheelchair with sip-and-puff control. Which method of pressure relief would this patient MOST likely use independently?

A patient with C3 ASIA A SCI uses a power reclining wheelchair with sip-and-puff control. Which method of pressure relief would this patient MOST likely use independently?

• A. Push-up pressure relief
• B. Side lean pressure relief
• C. Power tilt/recline
• D. Forward lean pressure relief

Answer: (C)

Independence in pressure relief for someone with a high cervical SCI depends on what can be done without arm or hand function. A C3 ASIA A injury typically leaves almost no voluntary movement below the neck, so options that require lifting the body with the arms or actively leaning using the trunk aren’t feasible. The power tilt/recline feature, however, lets the chair redistribute body weight by tilting the seat and back without needing arm strength. With sip-and-puff control, the user can activate this adjustment on demand, making it the most practical and achievable method for independent pressure relief. By tilting, the pressure on the sitting bones decreases and circulation improves, reducing the risk of pressure injuries.

Independence in pressure relief for someone with a high cervical SCI depends on what can be done without arm or hand function. A C3 ASIA A injury typically leaves almost no voluntary movement below the neck, so options that require lifting the body with the arms or actively leaning using the trunk aren’t feasible. The power tilt/recline feature, however, lets the chair redistribute body weight by tilting the seat and back without needing arm strength. With sip-and-puff control, the user can activate this adjustment on demand, making it the most practical and achievable method for independent pressure relief. By tilting, the pressure on the sitting bones decreases and circulation improves, reducing the risk of pressure injuries.