Muscular dystrophy often starts young and changes over many years, so families tend to choose a sturdy tilt-and-recline chair that supports posture and adjusts as strength fades.
As trunk muscles weaken, sitting up straight takes more effort, and many children and adults with MD begin to lean or curve to one side. With tilt-in-space, the seat and backrest tip back together, so the backrest carries more of your son's weight instead of his own muscles. For a strong lean, the Centric adds removable side supports at the upper trunk.
Parents of a child with MD may help with transfers for many years, and the lifting gets harder as the child grows. Broda's arm and leg supports swing aside so you can get close to the seat, and the seat height adjusts to line up better with a bed. Talk with a therapist about a transfer method early, before lifting becomes a daily strain on your back.
Many people with MD come to rely on a power wheelchair, and power chairs go in for service from time to time. A manual Broda chair gives your daughter a comfortable, supported seat during those repairs. If she rides to school or clinic in an accessible van, Broda offers the Synthesis with a WC19 package, the crash-test standard for wheelchairs that serve as vehicle seats.
Prices are Broda's MSRP for the base chair. Size, options and accessories change the final price.
From $4,506.40MSRP
A full positioning chair for later stages. Seat tilt reaches 40 degrees and back recline reaches 90. The optional WC19 transport package lets it serve as a seat in an accessible van, which helps families who make frequent school or clinic trips.
From $3,428.63MSRP
Built for someone who leans or slumps. The Centric pairs 25 degrees of tilt and 45 of recline with padding on all sides, shoulder bolsters and removable upper side supports. It holds up to 250 pounds in 18 or 20-inch widths.
From $3,194.94MSRP
For earlier stages, while the legs still have some strength. The Encore's seat height starts at 12.5 inches, so a shorter user can push along with their feet, and the seat tilts back for rest between outings.
From $3,878.62MSRP
Bathing a teen or adult with MD often means lifting. Broda designs the Revive to cut down on repositioning: it tilts, reclines up to 67 degrees and has a full leg rest, so washing happens with the person supported in one place.
Arrange a seating assessment with a therapist or ATP (assistive technology professional), ideally one who already knows your child or adult family member. Have them note any lean or curve in the spine and how much head control there is. The Broda wheelchairs ADL carries start at a 16-inch seat width, so for a smaller child, confirm the fit before ordering. Because MD progresses, plan a recheck at least once a year, and sooner after a growth spurt or a clear drop in strength.
Many families pay privately. Insurance or a public program may help when a doctor, therapist or ATP documents why the person needs the chair. Whether it is covered depends on the plan. Our written quote lists the exact model and options, so it can go straight into that paperwork. Facilities, care organizations and multi-unit buyers can ask us about partner pricing.
That depends on the type of MD and on the child, so it is a question for their medical team. Many families bring in a manual chair first for long distances, when walking becomes tiring, and add more support later. A therapist can tell you when your child is ready for a seating assessment.
Size comes from measurements, not age. A therapist measures hip width and the length from hip to knee and knee to floor. Broda's chairs come in 16, 18 and 20-inch widths with several seat depths, and many have adjustable seat heights, which helps as a teen grows.
Broda frames are powder-coated steel with a 10-year warranty, and the parts are warrantied for 2 years. That matters for a progressive condition like MD, where one chair may stay in daily use for many years. Regular adjustment checks keep it fitting well.
This guide is general product information, not medical advice. Chair features are described as Broda designs them. Choose seating together with the person's doctor, therapist or ATP.
Product photos © Broda Seating, used with permission. Broda® and model names are trademarks of their owner.
Call with the person's diagnosis, height and weight, and where they will sit most of the day. We will tell you which Broda chairs fit and send a written quote.
