CMC Manual & Power Wheelchair Selection 3

Question 1

A client with progressive MS experiences increasing fatigue. She currently uses a manual chair but struggles by mid-afternoon. What is the most appropriate recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Power-assist add-on wheels for the manual chair

Answer

Power-assist wheels preserve the client's independence and manual control while reducing propulsion effort, addressing fatigue without a full transition to power.

Question 2

When measuring seat depth for a wheelchair, what landmark is used as the posterior reference point?

Accepted Answer

Posterior aspect of the buttocks against the back support

Answer

Seat depth is measured from the posterior buttocks (against the back support) to the popliteal fossa, then subtracting 1–2 inches for clearance.

Question 3

Which manual wheelchair frame design offers the greatest structural rigidity and is preferred for active wheelchair sports?

Accepted Answer

Rigid (non-folding) frame

Answer

Rigid frames transfer propulsion energy more efficiently and weigh less because they eliminate the cross-brace mechanism, making them standard for sports and active users.

Question 4

A power wheelchair user with ALS needs environmental control integration. Which power wheelchair feature enables this?

Accepted Answer

Expanded controls / integrated control module

Answer

Expanded controls or integrated control modules allow the power wheelchair's electronics to operate smart home devices, communication aids, and other assistive technology from a single interface.

Question 5

What is the primary clinical reason for prescribing a power tilt-in-space system rather than a simple recline on a power wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Tilt reduces shear forces during position changes

Answer

Tilt-in-space moves the entire seating system as a unit, maintaining hip/knee/ankle angles and minimizing shear on the skin, unlike recline which opens hip angle and creates shear.

(CMC) Certified Mobility Consultant Practice Test

(CMC) Certified Mobility Consultant Practice Test

CMC Manual & Power Wheelchair Selection 3