Wheelchair Fitting: Difference between revisions
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== Measures of Wheel Chair Fitting == | == Measures of Wheel Chair Fitting == | ||
Wheelchair fitting focuses on six measurements. | Wheelchair fitting focuses on six measurements. | ||
# '''Seat width:''' It is measured from the widest aspect of the user’s buttocks, hips or thigh. It should be wide enough to avoid pressure on the hips. Average adult size is 18 inches. | # '''Seat width:''' It is measured from the widest aspect of the user’s buttocks, hips or thigh. It should be wide enough to avoid pressure on the hips. '''You should be able to place your hands vertically between your hip and the armrest with slight contact between both'''. Average adult size is 18 inches. | ||
# '''Seat depth:''' | # '''Seat depth:''' It is measured from the user’s posterior buttock, along the lateral thigh to the popliteal fold with your palm horizontal to the seat. Usually, a space of about 2 inches is preserved to avoid pressure from the front edge of the seat against the popliteal space. You should be able to fit 3-4 fingers between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knee. Average adult size is 16 inches. | ||
# '''Seat height:''' | # '''Seat height:''' It is determined by the height of the individual and if the wheelchair is self-propelled. When using the feet to propel. the seat height should allow for them to reach the floor with their heel. Those using footrests have higher seat heights. It is measured from the user’s heel to the popliteal fold. The bottom of the footrest is 2 inches from the floor. Average adult size = 19.5 to 20.5 inches | ||
# '''Footrest length:''' | # '''Footrest length:''' should ensure that the legs don't dangle and that they aren’t pushed too high, leading to pelvic tilt. Calf supports can be included if a person is going to recline. | ||
# '''Armrest | # '''Armrest height:''' | ||
# '''Height of the back of the chair:''' | # '''Height of the back of the chair:''' | ||
Revision as of 12:21, 3 May 2018
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
A properly fitted wheelchair provides comfortable seating and good back support, improving posture ultimately optimizing function. It has been estimated that 80-90% of individuals are not properly fitted in their current wheelchair as their bodies and needs change over time. Improperly fitting wheelchairs can lead to medical problems such as skin breakdown from pressure and rubbing, blood clots from poorly fitting seats and posture issues from misalignments.
The ideal sitting position for most people in a wheelchair follows the 90-90-90 rule; 90° bend in the hips. 90° bend in the knees and 90° bend in the ankle.
Measures of Wheel Chair Fitting[edit | edit source]
Wheelchair fitting focuses on six measurements.
- Seat width: It is measured from the widest aspect of the user’s buttocks, hips or thigh. It should be wide enough to avoid pressure on the hips. You should be able to place your hands vertically between your hip and the armrest with slight contact between both. Average adult size is 18 inches.
- Seat depth: It is measured from the user’s posterior buttock, along the lateral thigh to the popliteal fold with your palm horizontal to the seat. Usually, a space of about 2 inches is preserved to avoid pressure from the front edge of the seat against the popliteal space. You should be able to fit 3-4 fingers between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knee. Average adult size is 16 inches.
- Seat height: It is determined by the height of the individual and if the wheelchair is self-propelled. When using the feet to propel. the seat height should allow for them to reach the floor with their heel. Those using footrests have higher seat heights. It is measured from the user’s heel to the popliteal fold. The bottom of the footrest is 2 inches from the floor. Average adult size = 19.5 to 20.5 inches
- Footrest length: should ensure that the legs don't dangle and that they aren’t pushed too high, leading to pelvic tilt. Calf supports can be included if a person is going to recline.
- Armrest height:
- Height of the back of the chair:
