MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND MOBILITY

Riser recliner chair for multiple sclerosis: when fatigue, strength and balance change

A riser recliner chair for multiple sclerosis accompanies very different activities: standing up, sitting back down, changing support, reading or resting. Fatigue, strength, balance and coordination can affect each of these in different ways. The choice starts from your habits and from what you would like to make more comfortable, together with the supports and the help you need.

Sollevita is a riser recliner chair with integrated care features, made in Italy by La Castellana. It brings together adjustments for comfort, sit-to-stand assistance and functions that help prepare some transfers. It is a support for daily life and works alongside the clinical and rehabilitation pathway: it does not treat multiple sclerosis or its symptoms.

Sollevita is also designed for people who walk, keep a good level of independence and want to give more attention to their own comfort. Reading with the legs supported, changing the angle or taking a break are real needs even when continuous assistance is not required. The choice involves first of all the person who will use the chair and, where helpful, those close to them.

On this page

Multiple sclerosis does not produce the same day for everyone
Fatigue: saving energy means choosing where to spend it
Changing position with the help of powered adjustments
Standing up when strength and energy are not always the same
Spasticity, stiffness and sensation: adjustments must respect the body
Measurements, seat and supports: the chair must be well proportioned
Intuitive handsets to match the needs of the day
Resting, Zero Gravity and the lie-flat position
Bed-to-chair transfers, wheelchair and patient hoist
Taking part in life at home, with the help you need
Carers and vertical height adjustment
The eight Sollevita functions, already integrated
A product to manage and review over time
What to tell the Sollevita Team before the consultation
Answers on fatigue, adjustments and changing position

Multiple sclerosis does not produce the same day for everyone

Talking generically about reduced mobility is not enough. One person may walk independently but find it demanding to get ready for a break. Another may keep strength in the legs and feel unsteady when standing up or turning. Another may have difficulty mainly in changing the position of the legs or in using a hand. These are situations to distinguish, not compulsory stages of the same journey.

The moment when more help is needed can change too: there is no rule by which mornings are always easier and evenings always harder. It helps to describe what usually happens, without judging the whole day by a single movement that went well.

To choose, start from an activity that matters to you: reading with the supports you want, taking a break in the living room or sitting back down after standing. The question is not only which chair for this diagnosis, but which transition would I like to make more manageable and what help do I need.

Fatigue: saving energy means choosing where to spend it

Fatigue in multiple sclerosis can concern both physical and mental activity, and it does not necessarily match the effort just made. That is why an apparently simple movement can feel demanding even when, from the outside, it does not seem to require much strength.

With Sollevita you adjust the backrest, the leg support and the head support through the handset, without operating manual levers. The help concerns these concrete actions. Fatigue in multiple sclerosis, on the other hand, has several components: making an adjustment easier is not the same as treating the symptom.

Saving energy does not automatically mean giving up movement. It can mean simplifying some preparations to leave room for a conversation, for reading or for another activity you want, while keeping the movement programme and the guidance agreed with the professionals involved.

The functions remain available for the moments when they are useful to you. You can spend a break reading with the legs supported and later choose a different angle for resting, according to your needs and the guidance you have received.

Changing position with the help of powered adjustments

Sollevita allows the backrest, the footrest and the Push Head headrest to be adjusted electrically. Tilt-in-space tilts seat and backrest together, keeping the chosen angle between the two parts. The adjustments can stop at the intermediate positions provided, without necessarily reaching the maximum angle.

To change the support under the legs while reading, or to prepare a more reclined break, you simply use the relevant adjustment on the handset. The Sollevita Team explains how it works and helps you find the most convenient way of using it, on your own or with someone assisting you.

Moving the structure is not the same as repositioning the body. If the pelvis has slid forwards, the trunk has lost support or a limb no longer rests where it should, increasing the recline is not enough. Any repositioning follows the procedures set out for the person.

When comparing products, look at which parts move and which access remains available, not just at the number of motors. The construction and functional differences of Sollevita help in looking further into these aspects and in comparing the features actually offered.

Standing up when strength and energy are not always the same

To choose a riser recliner chair for multiple sclerosis, it helps to understand what makes moving into standing demanding: weakness, fatigue, spasticity, balance or coordination can each play a different part. Supports and the help required are considered together, so that the person is accompanied through the movement.

The rise function progressively guides the pelvis upwards and forwards. It can be stopped during the movement as designed; the point to use is assessed together with the abilities of the person, the equipment present and the assistance required. It is not a setting to be chosen simply by increasing the rise on a harder day.

The reverse movement can accompany the return to the seat as well. That is an important option when controlling the descent takes more attention or help: the chair accompanies a planned movement, but it does not detect a fall and does not replace the support required.

Reaching standing does not mean being ready to walk. A walking frame, where used, and the person assisting are part of the agreed sequence. If dizziness or new unsteadiness appear, this should be reported to a healthcare professional, rather than being put down to fatigue or addressed with another adjustment.

Spasticity, stiffness and sensation: adjustments must respect the body

Spasticity and weakness do not describe the same difficulty. Stiffness or spasms can affect movements and the positions that are tolerated; altered sensation can make an uncomfortable support less obvious. That is why having many adjustments available needs to be connected to the individual situation.

Adjustments should be progressive and should not force knees, hips or ankles beyond the position that is tolerated. If opening the footrest, reclining or tilting increases a spasm, causes pain or loses a useful support, the movement should be stopped and the setting reassessed.

Where sensation is reduced, the immediate feeling of comfort is not the only guide. Supports, clothing and any additional aids are considered according to the guidance of whoever follows the person, even when no pain is reported.

A cushion or a support already prescribed is not removed because the new chair offers more functions. Sollevita makes it possible to assess different positions, but it is not a pressure-relief system and does not replace specialist surfaces or repositioning programmes where these are needed.

Measurements, seat and supports: the chair must be well proportioned

Sollevita is available with a seat 52 or 63 cm wide and three depths, obtained through the positioning of the backrest. The choice considers height, proportions, foot support, the position of the armrests and the length of the legs. The user weight rating should be checked on the configuration proposed.

A wider seat is not automatically better: it should take the body without moving the supports away. Excessive depth can make it hard to reach the backrest; a seat that is too high can leave the feet without the support intended. These relationships matter even when the user mainly wants comfort and rest.

The three-layer seat construction combines a sprung seat base, individually pocketed springs and an upper comfort layer. The high backrest supports the back; the powered headrest Push Head adjusts the support for head and neck. The footrest extension extends the supporting surface for legs and feet.

Measurements and supports work together to make reading, conversation and rest comfortable. Push Head adjusts the support for the head; when you use a specialist support, that too is part of choosing the configuration.

Intuitive handsets to match the needs of the day

Sollevita handsets are designed for simple use, with intuitive buttons in a logical layout. Corded and wireless versions are available: the solution is chosen with the Sollevita Team in relation to the configuration and the habits of the person.

In multiple sclerosis, difficulties with grip, sensation or coordination can make a different placement of the control useful, or the help of another person. We talk about it starting from the activities you usually do, without assuming the same difficulties for everyone.

The explanation follows your pace and starts from the adjustments you prefer to use. Tutorials and support by video call remain available to clear up a doubt after delivery as well. Where assistance is needed, how the control is managed and how to signal a pause are agreed together.

Resting, Zero Gravity and the lie-flat position

A relaxing chair for multiple sclerosis should also be judged against the kind of break you want. Reading with the legs supported, interrupting an activity to rest and stretching out for a short nap are different needs: they do not automatically call for the same position.

Backrest recline changes the angle of the backrest in relation to the seat. Tilt-in-space, on the other hand, tilts seat and backrest together, keeping the angle between them. Zero Gravity offers a different relaxed setting with legs and feet raised. These are possibilities to choose according to supports and comfort, not therapeutic positions for fatigue or spasticity.

The lie-flat position (180°) allows a flat configuration where appropriate. It can offer a break in the usual place, without arranging a transfer to the bed every time. It does not, however, replace the bed for every person or for any length of rest.

Preparing a break also means thinking about what you want to do afterwards. Keeping book and handset close by and setting up the supports makes it easier to return to reading or to a conversation. When a hand is needed to change place, arranging it in advance makes the moment calmer.

The choice of rest should leave room for the activities you want. Duration, alternation with movement and any assistance follow individual needs, without a programme that is the same for everyone.

Heat can temporarily increase some symptoms of multiple sclerosis. For a pleasant break, the room and how the temperature is managed therefore matter too, and they are separate from the adjustments of the chair. Symptoms that are new, different from usual or persistent call for a conversation with the neurologist or the MS centre.

Bed-to-chair transfers, wheelchair and patient hoist

When moving between bed, wheelchair and chair becomes more demanding, the need is no longer only about rising. It is necessary to consider how the person is supported, the surfaces used and the help already in place.

Sollevita can reach the lie-flat position, adjust its own height vertically and completely free one side. The lie-flat transfer configuration combines these possibilities to prepare the approach to the bed and some transfers. Vertical height adjustment raises or lowers the whole structure while the person stays seated or lying down: it is distinct from the rise function.

With a wheelchair, side access and height adjustment can be assessed in order to bring the surfaces closer. That does not mean that every transfer board, sling or patient hoist is automatically compatible: information about the actual devices and about the individual procedure is needed.

Where a patient hoist is planned, that equipment keeps its role. The chair prepares access and height, but it does not decide how to support the person. The return to the starting place and the supports on arrival should also be considered, not only the first move that goes well.

Taking part in life at home, with the help you need

Sollevita also has a place in shared moments: reading, talking and sitting near the table. The upper part of the armrest can be removed to free up space when coming close to a compatible surface. That is different from removing the whole side panel, which opens side access for transfers.

The sturdy wheeled base makes it possible to accompany the person between rooms of the home while they stay seated, even when the route is longer. Reaching the living room or another room therefore does not require a change of seat just to move. Route, accompaniment and use follow the product instructions; the battery powers the adjustments, not the drive of the wheels.

The wheeled base and the wheelchair answer different moments. Anyone who moves independently in a wheelchair keeps that possibility and chooses when to prefer an accompanied move in the chair. The aim is to add comfort to the day, while keeping freedom of choice and the supports required.

Carers and vertical height adjustment

The need for help in multiple sclerosis can change even from one day to the next. Vertical height adjustment makes it possible to bring the whole chair to a more favourable height while the person stays seated or lying down. This can make activities such as dressing, adjusting clothing and shaving or hair care more comfortable.

During a compatible massage, the flat surface with adjustable height offers a more comfortable working height to whoever is carrying it out. The position of the person, the materials and the way it is done remain consistent with the guidance received and with the product instructions.

The removable side panel makes it easier to come alongside for the planned activities. When several people take turns helping, sharing the adjustments and the supports to keep in place makes care more orderly, without replacing the techniques required.

The eight Sollevita functions, already integrated

Sollevita is a single complete model. The eight main functions are part of the same design; the drive system includes between 5 and 8 independent motors, depending on the user weight rating. This completeness makes it possible to assess several activities in the same place, without having to use every function at every moment.

Rise function — Progressively accompanies the move towards standing and, through the reverse movement, the return to sitting.
Relax — Allows the backrest and footrest to be adjusted for reading, watching television or taking a break, including intermediate positions.
Powered headrest Push Head — Adjusts the support for head and neck in the different positions.
Tilt-in-space — Tilts seat and backrest together, keeping the chosen angle between the two parts.
Zero Gravity — Offers a relaxed setting with legs and feet raised, distinct from simply reclining the backrest.
Lie-flat position (180°) — Brings the chair into a flat position for a rest, where appropriate for the person.
Vertical height adjustment — Raises or lowers the whole structure with the person seated or lying down, setting the height for care or for coming alongside other surfaces.
Lie-flat transfer configuration — Combines flat surface, vertical height adjustment and removed side panel to prepare the approach to the bed and some transfers.

Alongside the functions there are the three-layer seat construction, the high backrest, the footrest extension, the removable upper armrest sections and the fully removable side panel. Lithium battery, wheeled base, fully removable outer and underlying covers and the modular construction complete the design.

What counts in the choice is how this whole answers your activities: a photograph of the final position, or the number of motors on its own, does not describe the whole experience of use. See functions, measurements and price of Sollevita to look further into the configuration of the product.

A product to manage and review over time

Everyday management is part of the choice. On Sollevita both the outer and the underlying covers are removable. Backrest, armrests and wings are removable components; the modular construction allows targeted work on the elements provided. Cleaning and maintenance follow the instructions for the material and for the product.

The relationship with the manufacturer continues after delivery. Sollevita comes with five years of commercial warranty on every element, according to the conditions of purchase, original spare parts, tutorials, support by video call and technical support. On the Warranty & Service page you will find the cover and the service arrangements.

The integrated functions leave room for different uses within the same day and over time. If supports, hands or transfers change, the Sollevita Team helps in reviewing how the product is used, together with the guidance of the professionals involved and any supports required.

What to tell the Sollevita Team before the consultation

Tell us which activities you want to keep and in which transitions you need more help. Differences you have already noticed between moments of the day, your preferred resting positions and the way rising, sitting back down and transfers happen are all useful.

Height, weight, the supports you usually use, equipment and the people who take part in care help us prepare the conversation. We can also talk about the choice between a corded and a wireless handset, so that the chair fits your habits. Share only the clinical information that is relevant to use.

The conversation can start from photographs of the empty space and the measurements available, without repeated trials. The Sollevita Team shows the functions and guides you in choosing; any new or significant clinical changes should instead be discussed with the professionals involved.

How the consultation works

3 steps to define the perfect Sollevita for you

Sollevita comes fully equipped for home care. Our job is to understand whether it can meet your needs and to guide you clearly before, during and after delivery.

Tell us about yourself

Tell us about your needs, or those of the person who will use Sollevita. Height, weight, hours spent in the chair, level of independence and daily needs help us understand how the product will be used every day.

Let's assess together whether Sollevita is right for you

The Sollevita Team listens to your needs, explains every function and assesses sizes, weight capacity and how the chair will be used. We explain precisely whether and how Sollevita can meet the needs of the person and their daily life.

Delivery and support

We arrange delivery and a complete explanation of the product, so that you get to know all of Sollevita’s functions and use them correctly. After purchase, the Sollevita Team remains your direct point of contact for warranty, spare parts, tutorials, video calls and technical support over time.

Next step

The right choice starts with a conversation

For such an important choice, talk to the people who make it. Write to us: you will get a reply directly from the Sollevita Team, not a call centre. Our consultants know the chair inside out, from its mechanisms to its adjustments, and they listen to you to offer clear explanations, technical expertise and personalised advice.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers on fatigue, adjustments and changing position

The same activity can call for different help from one moment to the next. These answers separate how Sollevita works from the management of symptoms, connecting supports and adjustments with the real day.

How should the chair be chosen if energy changes through the day?

The choice considers both the good moments and those when more help is needed. What counts is the activities you want to keep, the supports, the controls and the equipment already in use. A single successful rise does not describe every need. Sollevita makes it possible to assess different adjustments in one chair, without assigning a fixed use to each time of day or replacing appropriate movement.

Can powered adjustments reduce some effort when changing position?

Yes, they can make actions such as adjusting the backrest or the leg support more practical, avoiding the use of manual levers. The help concerns the mechanical movement provided, not the treatment of fatigue. If the body has lost its supports, an adjustment does not automatically replace repositioning the person: the care procedures indicated should be followed.

Is Sollevita also designed for people who keep their independence with MS?

Yes. Sollevita is also designed for people who walk, live independently and want more comfort while reading and resting. The rise function adds help when standing up or sitting back down needs support; there is no need to use it every time. Supports and assistance follow the needs of the person, without replacing appropriate movement.

How should positions be assessed where there is spasticity or reduced sensation?

Positions must respect the supports and the movements the person tolerates. There is no need to reach the maximum angle. If pain, spasms or loss of support increase, the movement is stopped and the setting reassessed. Where sensation is reduced, the feeling of comfort alone may not be enough: individual guidance on supports, skin and aids applies.

How should the handset be chosen when the hands need more attention?

Sollevita handsets are designed with intuitive buttons and a logical layout. With the Sollevita Team you choose between the corded and wireless versions and agree on a convenient placement. If grip, sensation or coordination call for help, how to involve the carer is defined. The explanation starts from the functions that are useful in your day.

What resting options does it offer without transferring to bed every time?

Relax, tilt-in-space, Zero Gravity and the lie-flat position (180°) offer different possibilities. You can change a support, tilt seat and backrest together or reach a flat position, where appropriate. The choice also considers being able to return to sitting and the help required. The chair does not replace the bed in every situation and does not set how long the rest should last.

How does it work with a wheelchair and transfer equipment?

Vertical height adjustment makes it possible to set the height, while the removable side panel frees up side access. With the flat surface, the lie-flat transfer configuration prepares some approaches to the bed. Compatibility should be checked against the actual equipment and the procedure used by the person. Having these functions does not automatically replace a sling, a transfer board or a patient hoist.

If needs change, does the same chair remain suitable?

The integrated adjustments allow different uses, but any significant change in supports, controls or transfers calls for the configuration to be reviewed. The Sollevita Team explains what the product can do; the professionals involved assess any additional supports and assistance. Versatility alone does not guarantee an answer to every future need.