
About Complex Rehab Technology (CRT)
As the name might imply, the world of CRT can be complex. Which is why we want to help you understand it better.
Complex Rehab Technology wheelchair systems are products that are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. They augment or replace function, while providing support surfaces, such as back, leg, head, and arm rests and mobility bases to enable you to participate in everyday life to whatever extent you are capable. These products are medically necessary, meaning they are mandatory to protect and improve the health status of a patient, or could negatively affect a patient’s condition if not prescribed. CRT wheelchair systems are also individually configured, so they are customized to the patient’s needs and disability. In theory, no two chairs are alike.
People who have the following conditions could benefit from the provision of CRT:
- Congenital disorders, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy
- Progressive or degenerative neuromuscular diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or ALS
- Injury, trauma or illness, such as a traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries
CRT wheelchair systems include a variety of products, including:
- Complex power chair systems
- Highly configurable manual wheelchairs
- Adaptive seating systems
- Alternative positioning systems
- Other specialized mobility devices
Complex Power Chair Systems
- Intended for permanent or progressive diagnoses
- Advanced electronics and controls
- Individual seating & positioning
- Accommodates orthopedic issues
- Provides pressure management
- Ventilator accommodation
Standard Power Chair Systems
- Intended for ambulatory limitations
- Basic joystick drive ONLY
- NO positioning
- NO orthopedic accommodations
- Provides NO pressure management
- NO ventilator accommodation
Your clinical team, including a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from Numotion, will help determine the right CRT product for you. There are many factors your ATP will look at when determining your chair, including your physical and functional skills, how well you can perform activities of daily living, functional mobility, and how well you access home/school/work and general transportation.
Additional Resources:
- NuDigest: Introduction to Complex Rehab Technology Wheelchair Systems
- NuDigest: All Manual Wheelchairs Are Not Equal
- NuDigest: Balancing Loaner Wheelchair vs Custom Wheelchair Needs for ALS patients
- NuDigest: Are Community Based Seating Clinics the Future?
- NuDigest: Benefits of Standing
- NuDigest: Addressing Parent’s Perception of Powered Mobility
- NuDigest: Powered Mobility and Play
- NuDigest: Application of Ethics for Assistive Technology Professionals in Complex Rehabilitation Technology
- NuDigest: The Mathematics of Complex Rehab Seating
- NuDigest: The Importance of Properly Programming Powered Wheelchairs