Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Individuals at which spinal cord injury level may require a manual wheelchair but often use an electric chair?

1. C6

2. C7

3. C8

4. T1-T3

The correct answer is: C6

Individuals with a spinal cord injury at the C6 level often have some degree of wrist and hand function, which allows them to use a manual wheelchair, although they may find it challenging due to limited upper body strength. At the same time, they can also benefit significantly from the use of an electric wheelchair, particularly for longer distances or in situations where manual propulsion may be too strenuous or impractical. The C6 injury level typically provides them with the ability to perform some activities of daily living independently, allowing for greater flexibility in mobility options. As individuals at this level develop their skills, they often prefer using an electric chair for convenience while still being able to use a manual chair when necessary or desired. The other spinal cord injury levels, such as C7, C8, and T1-T3, usually indicate a further extent of function which can lead to less dependence on assistive devices; individuals at these levels may have more strength and hand function, allowing them to rely more on manual wheelchairs and often not needing the assistance of electric chairs as frequently as those at the C6 level.