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How to do the weight shifting on the airplane seat

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    #1

    How to do the weight shifting on the airplane seat

    Hello friends,

    My name is JD, and I need help with doing weight shifting on the plane seat. I have spinal-cord injury at C-5, use an electric wheelchair, and have sensitive skin, so I have been very cautious with taking airplanes. For the first time since my accident in 2004, I want to try taking the plane, which will be from Denver, Colorado to Baltimore, Maryland, and could take between 4 and 5 hours, but I am worried about having a pressure sore. I could not find any sources on Youtube or Google doing the weight shifting on the plane.

    Any resource on doing the weigh shifting on the airplane seat would be very appreciated. BTW, I cannot afford using the private jet.
    Thank you.

    JD
    Tags: None
    #2
    Best options are to do side-to-side weight shifts (with help), being sure to clear the ischium completely on each side for 10-15 seconds every 15 minutes. If you are in a seat with a removable aisle armrest, this is most easily done. Next best would be a chest-to knees weight shift, but unless you are in a first class or bulkhead seat, you may be too tall to use this type. Again, you would need assistance. Reclining the seat the 10-15 degrees they allow will do nothing.

    Also, be sure you are sitting on your wheelchair cushion.

    (KLD)
    The SCI-Nurses are advanced practice nurses specializing in SCI/D care. They are available to answer questions, provide education, and make suggestions which you should always discuss with your physician/primary health care provider before implementing. Medical diagnosis is not provided, nor do the SCI-Nurses provide nursing or medical care through their responses on the CareCure forums.

    Comment

      #3
      Thank you for the information. I appreciate it. Although I understand your explanation, I wonder if there are any videos doing the weight shifting on the airplane.
      Your response was a great help.

      Thank you, sincerely.

      J.D. Kim

      Comment

        #4
        I don't know of any. You would need someone to help you do the leans and return to a regular seating position:

        Here is a video of a forward lean in the wheelchair:


        Here is a lateral lean technique in a wheelchair. When I assist people with this on a plane, ideally the person is in an aisle seat and I am in the middle seat. Swing up the arm rest between you and have them pull and lean your trunk into their lap, being sure the away ischium is clear. Hold 15-30 seconds, then assist you back to the seated position. Have your assistant climb over you into the aisle, facing the rear of the plane. Swing up the aisle armrest, have them kneel with their outside leg bent with the foot on the floor, grab you in a bear hug and pull you over onto their knee. Again, hold for 15-30 seconds:


        PS: please complete your profile with age and location.

        (KLD)
        The SCI-Nurses are advanced practice nurses specializing in SCI/D care. They are available to answer questions, provide education, and make suggestions which you should always discuss with your physician/primary health care provider before implementing. Medical diagnosis is not provided, nor do the SCI-Nurses provide nursing or medical care through their responses on the CareCure forums.

        Comment

          #5
          They were very helpful. Thank you so much!

          Comment

            #6
            Might try taking a short flight to see how you do...or break up your flight in to several segments just to make you feel more comfortable...

            I think for our community is the fear we and others put out there about all the issues with flying in a wheelchair power chair but as a monthly flyer using power chairs those crazy stories are the minority

            I would also fly with your seat cushion or something uber soft like a sheep skin

            Safe travles!

            Comment

              #7
              I’m also worried about this. I don’t last long without my cushion. But I can’t see me sitting on my Jay cushion. I’ll be way up in the air even if I take the gel off. I don’t know how helpful that will be . I guess I’ll be sweating the whole ride there.
              "Some people say that, the longer you go the better it gets the more you get used to it, I'm actually finding the opposite is true."

              -Christopher Reeve on his Paralysis

              Comment

                #8
                Do weight shifts every 15 minutes. Even the slightest shift from left to right or forward/backward will help. Definitely use your cushion. CWO
                The SCI-Nurses are advanced practice nurses specializing in SCI/D care. They are available to answer questions, provide education, and make suggestions which you should always discuss with your physician/primary health care provider before implementing. Medical diagnosis is not provided, nor do the SCI-Nurses provide nursing or medical care through their responses on the CareCure forums.
                • Likes 1

                Comment

                • Norm
                  #8.1
                  Norm commented
                  26 Apr 2023, 5:41 PM
                  Editing a comment
                  take the gel off the cushion and sit on the gel?
                #9
                I always sit on my Roho cushion from my chair when traveling by air. Never got a pressure sore, and I've flown 12 hours+. I'm 6'2", and about 200 lbs, and my Roho is 40x40 cm x 10cm high (air). It fits airline seats exactly. Fully extending the seatbelts, you can still fasten it over your lap. Don't take a chance with weight shifting on a normal airline seat. Your risk of getting a pressure sore is way high, and it won't be a comfortable trip at all. If you can swing it, try and book an economy plus seat if available. That extra room is worth it.
                "So I have stayed as I am, without regret, seperated from the normal human condition." Guy Sajer

                Comment

                • SCI-Nurse
                  #9.1
                  SCI-Nurse commented
                  13 May 2023, 10:52 AM
                  Editing a comment
                  You can do a side-to-side weight shift (with help from your travel companions if needed) and a forward lean weight shift is possible if you are in bulkhead seats. (KLD)
                #10
                40 centimeters equals 15 inches?
                "Some people say that, the longer you go the better it gets the more you get used to it, I'm actually finding the opposite is true."

                -Christopher Reeve on his Paralysis

                Comment

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