This study examined the functional reach of fifty-three elderly persons who use a wheelchair and reside in an extended care facility. Forward, right, and left functional reaches were elicited through a goal-directed activity while the participant sat in a wheelchair with a wedge cushion on a solid-seat insert and on the standard wheelchair sling seat. Participants had a statistically significant greater forward reach when using the wheelchair with a wedge cushion and solid-seat insert compared to the sling seat, but no significant differences in the right and left reaches were found. While the study inclusion criteria did not specifically select individuals with limitations in reach, this difference in forward reach, possibly due to better positioning in a wheelchair, may positively impact the functional ability of elderly persons.

No abstract