Elevated leg rests in a wheelchair are most beneficial for which condition?

• A. No knee flexion
• B. Severe knee contractures
• C. Acute circulatory compromise
• D. Adequate knee flexion

Answer: (D)

Elevating leg rests work best when the knee can sit comfortably on the support with some knee flexion. The point of elevation is to reduce venous pooling and edema and to improve overall leg comfort by lifting the lower extremities above seat level. If there is no knee flexion or a severe knee contracture, the leg can’t be securely supported on the elevated rest; the leg may not stay on the rest, could tilt off, or place pressure in uncomfortable areas, so the elevation wouldn’t provide the intended benefits. In contrast, when there is adequate knee flexion, the leg rests can cradle the leg securely, allowing effective elevation and resulting improvements in circulation and swelling reduction. Acute circulatory problems are important to address, but the mechanism by which elevated leg rests benefit comfort and venous return is most realized with adequate knee flexion.