Benefits

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Providing Him With Independence

Wijit Benefits

The Wijit DBS provides its users with an incredible number of benefits, the two biggest being: increased independence and improved health.

When asked, one of our users told us what he loved most about his Wijit; “With my Wijit(s), I am completely independent. I don’t feel disabled”. We know that once you try a Wijit, you will feel the same way.

We have designed the Wijit DBS to deliver benefits that surpass every aspect of using traditional push rim propulsion. For a quick, direct comparison, see our: The Wijit vs. Standard Push Rims Benefits Chart.

For more on benefits, consider the following:

Independendence

  • Move 2 to 3 times further with every push of the levers
  • Power to go up steep ramps, hills and grades
  • Power over thresholds and other obstacles
  • More easily traverse soft carpets, grass and gravel
  • Easily navigate tight turns
  • Safely control movement negotiating steep ramps, hills and grades
  • Shift into reverse, back onto lifts with power and control

Improved Health

  • Clinical Studies have proven the Wijit DBS protects against stress injuries to the shoulders, hands and wrists
  • Increased mobility and stability equals more exercise, leading to improved cardiovascular health
  • Improved posture, as user sits upright with back support
  • Improved muscle conditioning, as levers utilize larger muscle groups
  • Eliminates friction burns, callused hands and wrist fatigue – hands stay safely on lever handles
  • Range of motion (ROM) – Wijit levers forward stop position is adjustable to maximize user's reach

Ease of Use

  • Easily shift between forward, neutral and reverse with ergonomically designed shifter knobs
  • Intuitive braking by pulling inward on the lever handles – easily control braking and steering
  • Use of levers and internal gearing allows even marginal users to propel themselves
  • Quick release system permits easy removal and attachment of Wijit wheels for transporting
  • The Wijit DBS is compatible with anti-tip bars, grade-aids and parking brakes
  • Includes standard hand/push rim; for those “close-in” minor adjustments
  • Ergonomically designed and comfortable lever handle grips
  • Wijit levers can be put in “parked” position, allowing users to transfer unimpeded

Cost Effective

  • Works on your current manual wheelchair – no need to buy new or special wheelchair
  • Much less expensive than a power wheelchair
  • Reduced injury risk saves cost over time – less doctor visits and medications
  • Increased cardiovascular health lowers long-term health risks

The Wijit vs. Standard Push Rims Benefits Chart

  • Function
  • Manual Wheelchair
  • Benefits Gained Using the Wijit
  • User Force Requirements
  • Requires a high degree of arm, hand, and wrist function and strength.
  • The unique lever design amplifies the user's pushing power by over 50% and reduces the need for arm, hand, and wrist dexterity and strength.
  • Braking
  • Requires hand friction on hand rims for slowing and stopping.
  • The Wijit's built-in braking system is easily activated from its handles and requires no hand friction.
  • Steering
  • Requires complex hand and arm coordination and strength.
  • Steering with the Wijit is easy with minimal strength and coordination required.
  • Motivation
  • Requires constant combination of grip, push/pull, release and re-grip on push rims.
  • Similar to a bicycle, the Wijit stays engaged as the user pushes on the lever handles.
  • Negotiating Hills
  • Requires strength and coordination beyond that of the average operator to ascend or descend slopes safely.
  • Driver levers and special gearing amplify the operator's power to ascend slopes, while the unique braking system assures a safe descent.
  • Posture
  • Requires forward and backward lean with no back support while operating.
  • Allows the user to sit comfortably upright, with strong back support while operating the wheelchair.
  • Injuries
  • Requires heavy dependence on wrists, shoulder muscles and upper body.
  • Continuous propulsion reduces strain on shoulder muscles, while lever operation eliminates wrist usage and utilizes large muscle groups instead.
  • Effort
  • Requires a large amount of effort to travel more than short distances.
  • The Wijit's lever drive system and gearing provides a mechanical advantage, allowing users to travel further with less effort.
  • Health
  • Difficulty pushing without fatigue over distances limits physical activity level.
  • Ease of use and a 2 to 3 times distance per push advantage allows continuous travel, increasing cardiovascular exercise and building up of large muscle groups.