A patient with C3 AIS A SCI has no upper extremity function and limited neck control. Which power wheelchair control mechanism is MOST appropriate?

A patient with C3 AIS A SCI has no upper extremity function and limited neck control. Which power wheelchair control mechanism is MOST appropriate?

• A. Joystick control
• B. Head array control
• C. Sip-and-puff control
• D. Chin control

Answer: (C)

When a person has no usable upper limbs and only limited neck control, the control method for a power chair should rely on functions other than hands or precise head movement. Sip-and-puff uses breaths—sucking in or blowing out—to trigger chair actions. This interface doesn’t depend on hand dexterity or fine neck control, making it a practical option for someone with a C3 AIS A injury who can’t use a joystick and has only limited neck movement. A joystick requires finger or hand control, which isn’t available here. A head array relies on consistent head or neck movements to activate switches, which this patient’s neck control may not provide. Chin control also needs reliable chin/neck movement. Sip-and-puff can be slower but offers reliable access when other motor functions are severely limited, making it the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

When a person has no usable upper limbs and only limited neck control, the control method for a power chair should rely on functions other than hands or precise head movement. Sip-and-puff uses breaths—sucking in or blowing out—to trigger chair actions. This interface doesn’t depend on hand dexterity or fine neck control, making it a practical option for someone with a C3 AIS A injury who can’t use a joystick and has only limited neck movement.

A joystick requires finger or hand control, which isn’t available here. A head array relies on consistent head or neck movements to activate switches, which this patient’s neck control may not provide. Chin control also needs reliable chin/neck movement. Sip-and-puff can be slower but offers reliable access when other motor functions are severely limited, making it the most appropriate choice in this scenario.