Features and Activities of wheelchairs

Question 1

Seating principles

Answer 1

1. Stabilize proximally to promote improved distal mobility and function
2. Achieve and maintain pelvic alignment (neutral rotation)
3. Facilitate optimal postural alignment in all body segments, accommodating for impairments in ROM
4. Limit abnormal movement and improve function
   - There are devices to restrict abnormal movement
   - Dont want to restrict too much
5. Prodive minimum support necessary to achieve anticipated goals and expected outcomes
6. Provide comfort
   - If they are uncomfortable they will not use or use it properly

Question 2

Measurement of the seat height/leg length

Answer 2

• Measure heel to popliteal fold with patient seated on expected cushion and expected footwear
• If patient is using leg rests add 2+ inch clearance for foot rests

Question 3

Measurement of seat depth

Answer 3

• Measure posterior buttocks, along lateral thigh to popliteal fold
• -2 inches for clearance between popliteal fossa and edge of seat

Question 4

Measurement for seat width

Answer 4

• Measure widest point
• Buttock, hips, or thighs
• Add 2+ inches for clearance lateral so that it does not rub sides

Question 5

Arm rest measurement

Answer 5

• Measure Seat of chair to olecranon process with patient on expected cushion
• Elbow flexion 90 + 1 inch

Question 6

Measurement of back height

Answer 6

• Measure seat of chair to floor of axilla, should 90 flexion
• -4 inches for clearance of scapula but need to consider adequate support

Question 7

Measurement for quick fit check
A) Seat width
B) Back height
C) Seat heigh and leg length
D) Seat depth
E) Arm rest
F) Foot rest

Answer 7

seat width:

• Hands between greater trochanter/hip/thigh and armrest panels with your hands vertically

Back height

• Four fingers, hands vertical between top of chair and axilla
  Inferior angle of scapula one finger above the seat

Seat height and leg length

• Two to three fingers under the thigh from front seat edge and the popliteal fold (palm vertical

Seat depth

• Two to three fingers to be placed between front edge of the seat and the popliteal fold (palm horizontal)

Arm rest:

• Trunk erect, shoulders level, while resting on arm rests

Foot rest:

• 2 inches from floor

Question 8

Standard adult wheelchair dimensions

Answer 8

• width = 18 inches
• seat depth = 16 inches
• seat height = 17-19.5 inches
• supports 250-350 lbs