Choice of wheelchair size

Whether the size of the main parts of the wheelchair is appropriate is directly related to the sitting posture and stability of the occupant, the local pressure on the skin and the safety during transfer. A suitable wheelchair can not only make the occupant more energy-efficient in use, but also can effectively prevent other adverse events from happening.

The main parameters of wheelchair selection are as follows:

1. Seat width

Refers to the distance between the side panels of the armrests on both sides of the wheelchair.

Measurement method: The subject sits in a wheelchair, and the distance between the wider hips on both sides is plus 5cm, that is, there is a gap of 2.5cm on both sides of the hips from the side panel, and the wheelchair sitting width is generally 40-46cm.

If the seat is too wide, it is not only difficult for the occupant to maintain the balance of the body, but also it is inconvenient to drive the handwheel, which will increase the physical strength consumption of the occupant during the use of the wheelchair.

A seat that is too narrow can make it inconvenient for passengers to get in and out of the wheelchair, easily scratch the skin, and even increase the risk of pressure ulcers in severe cases.

2. Seat length

Also known as seat depth, it refers to the distance from the backrest to the front edge of the seat.

Measurement method: The subject sits in a wheelchair with the knee flexed at 90°, and measures the horizontal distance from the protruding part behind the buttocks to the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf minus 5cm, generally 41-43cm.

A seat that is too long will cause the front edge of the seat to compress the popliteal fossa and affect blood circulation.

A seat that is too short can put too much weight on the ischial tuberosity and increase the risk of pressure ulcers.

3. Seat height

Measurement method: The subject sits in a wheelchair, the knee is flexed 90°, the sole of the foot is on the ground, and the height from the popliteal fossa to the ground is measured.

High seat height can make wheelchair use inconvenient, for example, the wheelchair cannot go under the dining table during meals.

Seats that are too low can put pressure on the hips.

4. Armrest height

Measurement method: The passenger sits in the wheelchair, the upper arm hangs naturally, and the elbow is flexed 90°. Measure the distance from the lower edge of the elbow to the seat surface and add 2.5cm. When using the seat cushion, the height of the seat cushion should be added.

Appropriate armrests support the limbs comfortably and help occupants maintain good posture.

If the armrest is too high, the upper arm will be raised; if the armrest is too low, the trunk needs to be leaned forward, which will affect the sitting posture.

5. The height of the backrest

The height of the backrest depends on the function of the torso. The shorter the backrest, the greater the range of motion of the trunk and upper limbs, and the higher the requirements for trunk control.

The height of the low backrest is the actual distance from the wheelchair surface to the armpit minus 10cm, that is, the height of the upper edge of the backrest should be about 10cm under the occupant's armpit.

The height of the high backrest is the actual height measured from the seat surface to the shoulder or rear pillow.

6. Footrest height

Depends on seat height.

The suitable height is for the rider to bend the knee at 90°, with both feet on the footboard, and there is about a 4cm gap between the bottom of the front end of the thigh at the popliteal fossa and the seat cushion.

Too much distance between the seat cushion and the footrest will prevent your feet from resting on the footrest, resulting in loss of stability.

The distance between the seat cushion and the pedal is too small, which will increase the weight of the hips.

In addition, the foot pedal should have a height of about 5cm from the ground in order to cross some small obstacles.

TOPMEDI Co., Ltd. is a professional medical supplier with the ambition to be one of the best and the key rehabilitation equipments supliers in China. Our main products include Electric Wheelchair, Sports Wheelchair, Brain Paralysis Wheelchair, Hospital Bed, Walking Aids,Shower Chair and Commode. Our wheelchair factory is a leading manufacturer of wheelchair and rehabilitation equipments in China. The workshop covers an area of 30,000 squarer meters，with the annual production capacity of 500,000 wheelchairs, 2000,000 walking aids, and 10,000 hospital beds. TOPMEDI products have been well accepted in 80 countries and regions, mainly Australia, America, Europe, Middle East and Asia, covering both high end and middle end market，and enjoy high reputation among customers. TOPMEDI would like to join hands with our partners all around the world for our promising future!