DIY: Homemade Pressure Relief Pull-Up Bar

Individuals with spinal cord injuries and paralysis must voluntarily shift their weight and perform pressure reliefs while sitting in their wheelchair to allow blood flow and oxygenation back in to the tissues, to prevent pressure ulcers and skin breakdown.

In my family, we have nicknamed pressure relief, "pansy" (like the flower!). When my mom has been distracted painting scarves or talking to friends, we can quietly call out "pansy" to remind her of the necessity of shifting her weight.

The most basic form of pressure relief over the past year has been my mom grabbing the arms of her wheelchair and pushing upwards. She holds this for 30 seconds and then sits back down. The problem she encountered was the stress placed on her wrists due to the right angle of her wrists during the pressure relief.

So- a solution was formed! A homemade pressure relief pull-up bar that allows the wrists to stay straight while lifting up off of the wheelchair! The bar can easily sit over any doorway and can easily be taken down when you have company or want to shut the door.

Here's how to build this yourself for $75 or less. Links to the items we purchased are attached, but feel free to build it however works best for you!

	Body Solid NB59 Adjustable Nylon Cable Handle 2 for $30 Amazon
	Truper Carabiner Hard Steel Spring Hooks, 3-1/8" You only need 4, but this one specific on was sold in a 12/pack: Roughly $10 Amazon
	Grizzly Fitness Double Loop Lifting Strap (Black, One Size) 2 straps for $15 Amazon
	Fitness Gear Door Gym $20 Dick's Sporting Goods (Look for a coupon)

Now my mom can pansy while doing a pull-up, and build strength at the same time!

If you have a DIY homemade invention that you would like to share with the SCI community, please post it here!