Wheelchair Comp Questions

Question 1

What are the possible adverse effects of the seat being too high? (5)

Answer 1

1. insufficient trunk support b/c back upholstery will be too low
2. difficulty positioning knees beneath tables/desks
3. difficulty propelling wheelchair d/t reaching hand rims
4. difficulty in heel strike technique, propelling LE
5. poor posture d/t arms on arm rest

Question 2

What are the possible adverse effects of the seat being too low? (2)

Answer 2

1. difficulty performing transfers
2. cause improper weight distribution, can increase risks for development of pressure ulcers (posterior weight shift = potential ulcers at sacrum or ischial tuberosities)

Question 3

What are possible adverse effects if the foot plates are too low ? (3)

Answer 3

1. increased pressure on distal posterior aspect of thigh
   2 decreased function of UE when propelling WC d/t poor posture
2. unsafe wheelchair mobility d/t lack of footplate clearance from ground

Question 4

What are the possible adverse effects if the foot plates are too high? (3)

Answer 4

1. increased pressure on ischial tuberosities
2. difficulty positioning WC beneath table or desk
3. decreased trunk stability caused by lack of support by posterior area of thighs

Question 5

possible adverse effects if the seat depth is too short? (3)

Answer 5

1. decreased trunk stability d/t less support under thighs
2. increased weight-bearing on ischial tuberosities b/c body weight will be shifted posteriorly d/t lack of support from thighs
3. poor sitting balance d/t decreased BOS

Question 6

possible adverse effects if the seat depth is too long? (1)

Answer 6

1. increased pressure in popliteal area = skin discomfort and decreased circulation

Question 7

possible adverse effects if the seat width is too wide? (4)

Answer 7

1. difficulty propelling chair when useing UE d/t increased distance to handrims
2. difficulty performing a lateral transfer b/c wheelchair will need to move body over greater distance
3. difficulty moving through narrow hallways or doorways and using public restrooms
4. postural deviations d/t leaning to one side

Question 8

possible adverse effects if the seat width is too narrow? (3)

Answer 8

1. difficulty changing positions d/t insufficient space needed
2. increased contact with armrest panel causing pressure at greater trochanters
3. difficulty wearing bulking out garments, orthoses, braces d/t lack of space

Question 9

possible adverse effects if the back rest is too high? (3)

Answer 9

1. difficulty propelling chair b/c it will be more difficult to use arms comfortably
2. skin irritation to inferior angles of scapulae d/t rubbing
3. difficulty in balance b/c trunk may have incline forward

Question 10

possible adverse effects if the back rest is too low? (1)

Answer 10

1. decreased trunk stability/increased postural deviations d/t less support

Question 11

possible adverse effects if the armrest is too high? (4)

Answer 11

1. problems propelling chair b/c it will be difficult to reach over armrest
2. difficulty with standing squat pivot transfer d/t poor functional arm positioning in sit to stand
3. postural deviation d/t elevated shoulders
4. limited use of armrest leading to decreased trunk stability and fatigue

Question 12

possible adverse effects if the armrest is too low? (3)

Answer 12

1. poor posture and back discomfort d/t forward trunk inclination
2. increased abdominal discomfort when leaning forward
3. inadequate balance and difficulty rising to standing position d/t lack of support