Having Difficulty Walking: Antique Wheel Chairs To Your AidThe word 'WHEEL CHAIR' is always dreaded of. Much as it is definitely one to be wished off, one should not develop apathy and indifference to the unprivileged brethren who use it. Now firstly, what is a wheel chair used for? The most positive approach is to be welcomed. Truly, wheelchairs are a good way of getting around, when a person has trouble walking. In short, it is an equipment of medical assistance. In earlier times, people afflicted with polio, lost their ability to walk independently. Fortunately, the present generation has access to the vaccination. One eminent personality, President Franklin D Roosevelt of US was a victim of polio and used a wheel chair. So let us look at the wheel chair as a friend to depend on. Now the next question that comes to our mind is about antique wheel chairs. What they are, where the originated etc. A wheel chair is used by one who has injured his leg or 'the spine' which controls the leg movement. This amply qualifies the wheel chair to antiquity. It has existed along with man. Other ailments that require a wheel chair are 'cerebral palsy' and muscular dystrophy. At times, the wheel chair may be substituted by a pair of crutches or a walker. The history of antique wheel chairs, dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used hand pushed cart to move people who could not walk. Slowly a concrete form for individual use evolved. The wheel chairs are mobility scooters for people who need them. The widespread need and usage of antique wheel chairs has led to many variations and types being developed very often. The materials used could be wood or metals. So also, the chair could be moved manually or power though many convenient ones have been developed with the help of modern technology. A study of antique wheel chair proves to be an interesting one. The early wooden wheel chairs were popular in the early 1900's. They were Sears made. It would be worthwhile to note that antique wheel chairs of Carved Oak exist till date. Antique doll wheel chairs were like the prams of the modern day. Exquisite carvings were their special feature. The greatest piece available today is the Antique Wicker Wheel Chair. This rare find was made in the 1920s. It was crafted by Gendron Wheel Company. It can be called a masterpiece in history. One would be fascinated that the use of wheels on chairs was not for handicapped people alone. Guess what!! It was delicately used to provide fun to babies. Wood was the most widely used material in olden days. It was because wood was sturdy to give a good balance and slipping was not the risk. The antique executive chairs with vintage leather deserve its place. The early days saw wood and leather mainly used for the making of antique wheel chairs. By now one should have come to terms with the fact that wheels on chairs are also a piece of art besides being used by handicapped people. Today the modern manager is a symbolic user of the revolving wheel chair. Wheel chairs for all purpose are being made of metal or light weight sturdy fiber based resins. One piece that requires mention is the egoa task chair. Let us see a few more details about the antique wheel chair. Stained beech ply wood is effectively used in combination with other woods. Casters and height adjustability are added to serve the office work. The manual movement of wheels was a hindrance to the effective working of the individual using it. Hence the powered wheel chairs were born. The introduction of powered wheel chairs has provided the complete solution for patients. It has given the required mobility for independent working of an individual. Powered wheel chairs provide the greatest maneuverability and reliability. They pride themselves of having the latest electronic features for maximum safety. Powered wheel chairs were gas powered in early days. However, with the advent of electricity, the electric powered wheel chairs have been a great hit. All dependent patients now acknowledge the revolution and are thankful for the support they receive. The powered wheel chair works on electricity powered by batteries and motors. They have gears and belts to make the user comfortable. The pressure care and assistive devices attached provide for independent living of the individual. Scientists have endeavored to create a wheel chair with state-of-art .specifications. The whole mankind needs to salute the advancement in technology, for its service provided. All said, I am sure every reader has now dispensed with his misconceptions about the wheel chair and learnt to deeply appreciate the antique wheel chairs for their beauty and usage. Children, in particular, need to be kept informed on these misleading topics that are generally misrepresented. It is not to be undermined, that the antique wheel chair remains an inspiring piece of art. |