Wheelchair Measurements Flashcards
advantage and disadvantage of a vinyl sling seat
advantage - lightweight, easy to clean and easy to fold.
disadvantage - poor postural stability
height of back support for those with no UE strength and poor trunk control
height should be measured to the spine of the scapula
how do you prescribe the seat width?
Should be as wide as their hip width, and up to 1 inch wider especially for power wheelchairs
how do you measure armrest height
bottom of buttocks to bottom of elbow bent at 90 degrees + height of compressed cushion
which armrest provides UE support with transfers to/from chair
full length armrest
what variation is made to the seat height if the patient propels with their feet?
make the seat height lower by not adding that extra 3 or 4 inches
What 5 measurements must be taken when prescribing wheelchairs
- Seat height
- Seat width
- Seat depth
- Armrest height
- Back support height
how do you measure seat height
(bottom of heel to posterior thigh) - (height of seat cushion when compressed) + (3 or 4 inches)
how do you measure the footrest?
distance from the heel to the under surface of the thigh at the popliteal fossa
what happens if seat is too shallow?
increased pressure on the ischial tuberosities and potential for ulcer
removable/flip-back armrests advantage and disadvantage
advantage - allows lateral transfers
disadvantage - adds weight to chair and increases width
which armrest do you need to support a lap tray or arm trough? desk length or full length?
full length armrest
advantage and disadvantage of a solid seat
advantage - better postural stability
disadvantage - heavy and hard to fold
which armrest provides better forearm clearance when propelling - tubular or standard?
tubular
most commonly prescribed type of armrest
removable, adjustable, desk length armrest
what happens if seat is too narrow? too wide?
narrow = pressure ulcers at trochanters wide = poor trunk support and back pain
height of back support for those using their arms to propel
height should be just below inferior angle of scapula
disadvantage of full length armrest
unable to get close to tables and desks
2 types of wheelchair seats
- vinyl sling seat
2. solid seat
how much clearance should footrest have from the floor
2 inches
what change do you have to make to the seat depth if the patient is going to propel with their feet?
subtract 1-2 inches from measurement of dorsum of buttock to popliteal fossa, and create bevel at the back of the chair cushion to allow for more knee flexion
which armrest is longer, desk length or full length?
full length is longer. Full length is 14” and desk length is 10”
fixed armrest advantage and disadvantage
advantage - keeps the chair light and doesn’t add width
disadvantage - don’t allow lateral transfers
how do you measure the seat depth
dorsum of buttocks to the popliteal fossa minus 1/2 inch
