Manual wheelchair outcomes depend on more than selecting individual components. They require a careful balance of clinical, functional and environmental priorities to support participation in everyday life.

This workshop examines the clinical considerations underpinning manual wheelchair configuration. It moves beyond simply considering what is possible to explore the factors that influence configuration decisions, where trade-offs commonly arise, and how these considerations translate into practical configuration options.

Through applied case discussions and hands-on configuration analysis, participants will explore the relationships between:

• Posture and positioning

• Propulsion biomechanics

• Upper-limb function

• Fatigue

• Pressure management

• Environmental demands

• Individual client goals and participation

The workshop will also consider how clearly communicating clinical rationale can support collaboration with clients and suppliers, funding applications, and defensible clinical documentation.

Practical, evidence-informed and immediately applicable, this session is designed to strengthen participants’ confidence in discussing and communicating manual wheelchair configuration considerations in everyday clinical practice.