For a patient who does not have functional grip or strength to propel a wheelchair, which handrim design is indicated?

• A. Functional surface handrims
• B. Standard round handrims
• C. Magnetic handrims
• D. Glove-assisted rims

Answer: (A)

When propulsion is limited by little grip or weak hand strength, you want a handrim that maximizes contact and friction so you can push with the palm or the whole hand rather than needing a strong pinch grip. Functional surface handrims provide a larger, textured contact area that catches the hand easily and allows efficient pushing even with minimal finger strength. This design distributes pressure more broadly and reduces the need for precise finger control, making it the best choice for someone who can’t rely on a strong grip. Standard round rims require a secure grasp and finger strength to rotate, which isn’t feasible here. Magnetic rims don’t add grip or propulsion advantage for weak hands, and glove-assisted rims can help a bit but still depend on some grip and aren’t as universally suitable as a dedicated functional surface rim.