Field Events Throwing Chair

Sports and recreation are essential modalities of successful rehabilitation of Veterans with disabilities. To this end, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the VA partner to provide the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG). We noted that field events (shot-put, discus, javelin) were very popular, but that the technology was outdated and did not meet the needs of many Veterans. Therefore, after studying field events, using ergonomic practices and good seating principles we developed a throwing chair suitable for all, from novices to Paralympic athletes.

The Throwing Chair accommodates a wide variety of impairments (SCI, TBI, Stroke, Amputations) through various key adjustable features (seat height, seat locking swivel, handle location, backrest height, legrest location, etc.). The chair has been tested at the Warrior Games and the NVWG. PVA members were essential members of the design team, and helped us to overcome challenges of weight, size, transport, stiffness, and most importantly, maximizing performance across a large range of abilities and body types.