Modern power wheelchairs can provide much more than mobility. For people with complex seating and positioning requirements, power seating functions can allow the position of the seating system to be changed throughout the day.

Posterior tilt, power recline and seat elevation are three common functions, but they each move the seating system differently.

Understanding the difference can make power wheelchair seating easier to navigate.

What Is Posterior Tilt on a Power Wheelchair?

Posterior tilt changes the orientation of the seating system while maintaining the angle between the seat and back.

In simple terms, the seat and back move together.

Depending on the individual's requirements, posterior tilt may be incorporated into a seating and positioning strategy to provide opportunities to change position throughout the day.

What Is Power Recline?

Power recline changes the angle between the wheelchair seat and backrest.

Unlike posterior tilt, where the seat and back move together, recline allows the backrest to move in relation to the seat.

This is an important distinction when considering power seating options.

What Is Power Seat Elevation?

Power seat elevation raises the wheelchair's seating system vertically while the user remains seated.

This can provide additional functional opportunities by allowing the user to access different heights within their environment.

For example, elevation may support interaction at different heights or access to everyday environments that would otherwise be difficult to reach from the wheelchair's standard seated position.

Quantum's iLevel® technology provides power seat elevation across compatible Quantum power wheelchairs and seating configurations.

What Is Anterior Tilt?

Anterior tilt moves the seating system forward from its neutral position.

This is different from posterior tilt, which moves the seating system backwards.

Anterior tilt is available on compatible Quantum power wheelchair and seating configurations and may be considered as part of an individual's functional and positioning requirements.

What Is the Difference Between Tilt and Recline?

An easy way to remember the difference is:

Tilt: the seat and back move together.

Recline: the angle between the seat and back changes.

Although the movements can sometimes appear similar, they are different seating functions and may be considered for different clinical and functional reasons.

Can You Have Multiple Power Seating Functions?

Depending on the power wheelchair, seating system and individual configuration, multiple power seating functions can be incorporated into one chair.

For example, a power wheelchair may include a combination of:

• Posterior tilt
• Power recline
• Seat elevation
• Leg rest elevation
• Anterior tilt on compatible configurations

The appropriate combination depends on the user's individual assessment and requirements.

Why Do Power Seating Functions Matter?

For many users, a power wheelchair is also their primary seating system for significant periods throughout the day.

Power seating provides the ability to independently change the position of that seating system.

The functions selected should therefore consider more than mobility alone. Positioning, comfort, functional activities, access to the environment and the user's individual goals can all form part of the assessment process.

Power Seating With Quantum Rehab

Quantum Rehab's TRU-Balance® seating systems provide a range of power positioning options across compatible Quantum power wheelchair bases.

Available functions depend on the power base, seating system and configuration.

A therapist and experienced mobility equipment provider can work with the user to determine which combination of power seating functions may be appropriate for their individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tilt do on a power wheelchair?

Posterior tilt changes the orientation of the seating system while maintaining the relationship between the seat and backrest.

What is the difference between power tilt and power recline?

During tilt, the seat and back move together. During recline, the angle between the seat and backrest changes.

What does seat elevation do on a power wheelchair?

Power seat elevation raises the seating system vertically while the user remains seated, providing access to different heights within their environment.

Can a power wheelchair have tilt, recline and elevation?

Yes. Compatible power wheelchair and seating configurations may incorporate multiple power seating functions. Available options depend on the power base, seating system and individual configuration.

What is anterior tilt on a power wheelchair?

Anterior tilt moves the seating system forward from its neutral position. It is available on compatible power wheelchair and seating configurations.