Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries: Going Downhill - Literally. - Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries

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#1 User is offline   JT80 

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Posted 27 August 2008 - 02:01 PM

just wondering what technique people with limited hand function use for going downhill in their wheelchair.
i find going down slopes pretty tricky and i'm often out of control, not being able to grab the wheelrims properly...i've had some near escapes. i've tried sort of riding on the brakes partially but still not quite right. what do you do? other than close your eyes and hope for the best.
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#2 User is offline   Kev-O 

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Posted 27 August 2008 - 03:25 PM

not sure about with limited hand function but have you tried the back an forth way?? kinda like skiing.
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#3 User is offline   KarenFerguson 

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Posted 27 August 2008 - 03:25 PM

Hubby wears "quad gloves" like these (last on the page), and uses the rubber and his palm to slow his chair. Also, if it's a really steep hill he'll kind of tack down the hill - going side to side. :H2kOther (26):
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#4 User is offline   qbounce 

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Posted 27 August 2008 - 05:36 PM

I second the gloves thing, but I use leather padded work out gloves. I keep my hands on the push rims and apply pressure when needed. The grades here aren't very steep, so I just let 'er rip down the sidewalk! :H2kOther (26):
When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained. - Mark Twain
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#5 User is offline   graphic 

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Posted 27 August 2008 - 07:46 PM

I use half finger gloves with full thumb and tend to grip the rims with my fingers and the tyres with my palms when going downhill as I find I get better control. I also use the side to side technique already mentioned when negotiating very steep hills. I find the side to side movement helps when going up a steep hill too.

This post has been edited by graphic: 27 August 2008 - 07:47 PM

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#6 User is offline   Hapahowlee 

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Posted 28 August 2008 - 03:19 AM

View Postqbounce, on Aug 27 2008, 10:36 AM, said:

The grades here aren't very steep, so I just let 'er rip down the sidewalk! :dev:


It's from all that chilli you ate the other day isn't it Bouncer, hmmm? :wacko:
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#7 User is offline   BJK 

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Posted 28 August 2008 - 09:10 AM

I ride the brakes, 27 years and still ride the brakes.
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#8 User is offline   Trinity 

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Posted 28 August 2008 - 09:20 AM

View Postgraphic, on Aug 27 2008, 08:46 PM, said:

I use half finger gloves with full thumb and tend to grip the rims with my fingers and the tyres with my palms when going downhill as I find I get better control.


Not much use with the limited hand function issue though!
Memento Vivere
Memento Mori
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#9 User is offline   qbounce 

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Posted 28 August 2008 - 06:00 PM

View PostHapahowlee, on Aug 27 2008, 08:19 PM, said:

View Postqbounce, on Aug 27 2008, 10:36 AM, said:

The grades here aren't very steep, so I just let 'er rip down the sidewalk! :lmao:


It's from all that chilli you ate the other day isn't it Bouncer, hmmm? :lmao:



Yah Hapa,
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When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained. - Mark Twain
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