BIR patients are now offered five operating functions including: four-wheel, balance, stair, standard and remote. These functions allow the user to climb stairs or curbs, raise the mobility system to eye level of someone who is standing, lower it to sit comfortably under a desk or table and travel over uneven terrain such as sand, grass or gravel.

According to Tricia Henley, PT, physical therapist and coordinator of the wheelchair clinic at BIR, says the new system is helpful not only because it helps to perform difficult tasks, but it also offers the patient a better sense of independence.

This system is designed to maintain stability and balance, customized for each user’s center of gravity.

“The user can lean forward to shake hands or lean backward and the iBOT® moves with them,” says Henley. “When in the balance or ‘eye-level’ mode, this function is especially important should the user accidentally fall forward, sideways or backward. The chair will actually lower itself down to a safe position.”

According to Blake Utter, 22, a recipient of the iBOT® at BIR, the stair function is the most useful. This mobility system can climb steps or curbs as high as five inches, and depending on the user’s physical abilities, stair-climbing can be performed independently or with assistance.

“Climbing stairs just isn’t an option for wheelchair users,” says Utter. “When elevators are not available, especially in an emergency situation, the stair-climbing function of the iBOT® will definitely come in handy.”

However, Henley says that the iBOT® is not recommended for every wheelchair user.

“Each potential iBOT® user at BIR goes through an assessment to determine if they are a good fit for the wheelchair. It all depends on their level of impairment, function and physical abilities,” Henley says.

According to Henley, insurance companies will fully or partially cover the cost of the iBOT®, but it varies with each user’s individual set of circumstances.

Source: Baylor Health Care System