What are special controls in powerchairs?

Special controls are devices used to control the movement of a powerchair using repeatable movements performed by the user. While a joystick is commonly used as a controller in powerchairs, some patients may find a joystick controller difficult due to a physical or cognitive condition. For example, a quadriplegic would not be able to use a joystick requiring mobility in their hands. Special controllers are made with technology designed to make mobility accessible to users who find conventional joystick controllers challenging. 

A special control would use repeatable movements as input to control the movement of a wheelchair or powerchair. The input refers to the movement executed by the powerchair user on the special control. To illustrate, repeatable movements can involve a range of motions, such as turning your head or breathing into a specialised headset. Different health conditions have different effects depending on your physique. As a result, each special control in the market is made uniquely to utilise differing forms of repeatable movements. 

The different options allow patients to choose a device which suits their condition. Special controls are alternatives to conventional joystick controls and allow users to control a powerchair without a joystick.

Who are special controls for?

Special controls are designed for individuals with limited mobility in their limbs or challenges with fine control. Patients with physical conditions might benefit from a special controller because they can utilise different areas of their body to control a powerchair.

Types of special controls in powerchairs

Special controllers fall into two categories: proportional devices and non-proportional devices. 

Proportional devices control the speed and direction of a powerchair based on the strength and direction of the user’s input. A proportional control gets its name from how it functions, it produces an output proportional to its input. The input refers to any movement performed by the user on the controller and the output is the movement of the powerchair. The strength of the input is calibrated to a continuous scale, and the program translates the intensity of the input into the speed and direction of the powerchair. To visualise, the powerchair would move slowly when the user lightly tilts the controller away from its neutral position. Contrastingly, the powerchair would move faster if the controller was tilted further away from its neutral position.

On the other hand, a non-proportional device registers an input to produce only two outputs: move at a fixed speed or stop the powerchair. Similar to a switch, the controller can only function to ‘on’ and ‘off’ the powerchair. A non-proportional device is much simpler than a proportional device but offers less control. Users can move the powerchair at different speeds with a proportional device, whereas a non-proportional device only allows the user to stop and run in one direction at a pre-programmed speed.

Examples of proportional devices in powerchairs:

Micro joystick: Its sensitivity makes the micro joystick excellent for patients with reduced muscle strength. A large amount of movement can be produced from minimal input from the user. Users can choose to operate the micro joystick using their hand, chin, lip or tongue. Optionally, our engineering team can replace the micro joystick with a small cup, or other larger tops for patients who struggle with small controllers.

Among the various ways to operate a micro joystick, it is commonly used as a chin controller for users who are unable to use their hands. A micro joystick can be positioned closer to the chin instead of the armrest to utilise the movements of the chin to control the powerchair. Chin controllers are great alternatives for users who have mobile heads but lack mobility in their arms. 

Foot Controller: The foot controller allows patients to control the powerchair using their feet. They are ideal for patients who are most comfortable with using their feet to move and control the powerchair. 

Head controls: A head controller allows users to move their powerchairs using the movements of their heads. There are different head controls available such as the Vigo Head Drive and the Dual Pro. The Vigo Head Drive takes the appearance of a headset and can be a modernly discreet option. The Dual Pro is more suited for users with limited head mobility or unequal mobility on their left and right. Both the Vigo Head Drive and Dual Pro are proportional head controls with varying systems to cater to varying health conditions.

Examples of non-proportional devices:

Button: Each button functions to control a different action such as driving forwards and backwards, and turning left and right. The buttons will also be able to control the footrests and horn. Its simplistic design is ideal for patients with cognitive difficulties. 

Head controls: As we previously discussed proportional head controls, it is also worth noting there are non-proportional head controls. There are several non-proportional head controls such as the Co-Movelt, Switch-it 3-switch and the 5-switch head control. Different head controls utilise different programming systems which offer varying levels of control over your powerchair. To determine the best head control for you, speak to our clinical assessor to try different head controls. A non-proportional head control is ideal for users who can best control a powerchair using their head and also prefer simple control mechanisms.

Sip and Puff System: The Sip and Puff System recognises if the user is sipping or puffing, and also identifies the strength of different sips and puffs. The chair has multiple functions which are based on different actions performed by the user. For instance, a hard sip can be programmed to turn the powerchair left and a soft puff can turn the powerchair right. The strength pressures of the sips and puffs can be programmed into the control system. Patients with little upper body function consider the Sip and Puff System could use their breath to control their powerchair. As a general rule of thumb, if the user can sip on a straw they are likely to be able to use the Sip and Puff system.

Finding the best special control for you

Both proportional and non-proportional special controls provide users with an alternative control system to achieve functional independence. The best special control for you is dependent on your health condition, lifestyle goals and anatomy. 

A non-proportional device can be useful for individuals who have a limited range of motion or prefer a simple device as a result of a cognitive or physical disability. Non-proportional controls are pre-programmed so require less motor skills and coordination to operate, but do not provide as much control over the driving experience as proportional controls.

If you currently own a powerchair, it is important to consider the existing control systems in your powerchair. Each powerchair model has different control systems which are compatible with different special controls. Our clinical assessor will always speak to you about any existing powerchairs you may want to use with your special control; the special controls are then filtered down for compatibility.

Compatibility 

Factors to consider when evaluating the best special control for a patient:

• System compatibility between the powerchair and special control.

• Individuals with progressive conditions need to consider special controls which can be retrofitted.

• Current and ideal lifestyle.

• Range of motion.

• Muscular strength.

• Fine motor control such as grip strength and handling small objects.

Special controllers are not fixed and can be programmed to suit your needs or modified with accessories. A common example would be a golf ball or T-bar joystick. Some special controls might have small joysticks which might not be ideal for users with weak grip strength. The golf ball and T-bar joystick provide an alternative controller for patients with arthritis or difficulty forming a closed grip. There is an extensive range of special controls and accessories, our clinical assessor will journey with you to find the best seating solution for your unique condition.

During an assessment with our clinical assessor, the user will receive training with their special control to ensure they can confidently manoeuvre around. We will observe the user’s ability to reach the control at all times. If they aren’t able to reach one control at a particular time, there must be another controller they could use. We have an extensive range of special controls from leading manufacturers specialising in mobility equipment which users can choose from. Speak to an assessor for a clinical assessment and prescription for your health condition. Optionally, we can provide comprehensive clinical reports for £250 after an assessment.

Contact us

Speak to our clinical team for an assessment to evaluate the best special control for your health condition, physiology and lifestyle goals. We combine our expertise in seating and specialised mobility aids from leading manufacturers to give you the best solution tailored carefully to your needs and goals. Each assessment runs two hours long and takes place in our private clinical room. An assessment in our private room costs £250. For those unable to travel, our clinical assessors can also conduct home assessments for £500. 

Arrange an assessment online or book an assessment by calling our enthusiastic team.

CPD training on Special Controls

We offer free accredited CPD training on special controls to health professionals who would like to get practical experience on special controls. Participants will get to learn how to configure and calibrate different special controls, test the controls under various simulated environments, troubleshoot common issues and personalise special controls for each patient. The configuration of a special control is made to empower patients with functional freedom and optimise comfort and safety. 

For information on our latest CPD events, please visit our profile on LinkedIn or Eventbrite.