Wheelchair Prescription and Mobility Flashcards
How should you measure a wheelchair’s seat height?
What is the average adult size?
measure from the user’s heel to the popliteal fold and add 2 inches to allow clearance of the foot rest
19.5 to 20.5 inches
How should you measure a wheelchair’s seat depth?
What is the average adult size?
measure from the user’s posterior buttock, along the lateral thigh to the popliteal fold; then subtract approximately 2 inches to avoid pressure from the seat against the popliteal space
16 inches
How should you measure a wheelchair’s seat width?
What is the average adult size?
Widest aspect of user’s buttocks, hips or thighs and add approximately 2 inches
18 inches
How should you measure a wheelchair’s back height?
What is the average adult size?
Approximately 4 inches shorter than patient’s axilla with their shoulder in 90 deg. flexion in order to avoid inferior border of scapulae and should be measured while sitting on seat cushion they are planning on using
16-16.5 inches
How should you measure a wheelchair’s armrest height?
What is the average adult size?
measure from seat to olecranon process with elbow flexed to 90 degrees and add 1 inch use proper cushion when measuring)
9 inches above chair seat
What patient would most likely benefit from using an ultralight frame?
a highly active patient with no need for postural support
this wheelchair is usually used for sports
What patient would most likely benefit from using an standard of lightweight frame?
a patient who is able to self propel using both UE and has adequate LE ROM and sitting ability for comfortable seating
What patient would most likely benefit from using a Hemi frame?
a patient able to self propel using lower extremities
What patient would most likely benefit from using a one hand drive frame?
patient is able to self propel using one UE
What patient would most likely benefit from using an amputee frame?
patient is able to self propel but center of gravity is shifted posteriorly due to amputation
What patient would most likely benefit from using a Power Wheelchair frame?
patient cannot self propel but is able to safely operate a power mobility device
What patient would most likely benefit from using a Geri Chair frame?
patient cannot self propel or safely operate a power mobility device and requires assistance for seated mobility
What patient would most likely benefit from using a reclining frame?
patient’s who cannot perform weight shifting tasks and/or is unable to sit upright for extended periods; moderate to severe trunk involvement
What patient would most likely benefit from using a backward tilt-in space frame?
patient is unable to sit upright or perform weight shifts, but also has issues with sliding or extensor tone
What patient would benefit from using a planar posterior (flat) headrest?
a patient who uses a reclining or tilt-in space wheelchair frame or who tends to maintain a hyperextended head/neck position in upright sitting
What patient would benefit from using a curved headrest?
patient’s who tend to maintain backward listing and/or lateral head and neck position in sitting, side panels provide more aggressive support
What patients would need a sling back insert?
a patient who requires no postural support and has no neuromuscular deficits, usually not for long term use
What patients would need a planar back insert?
patients who require mild to moderate postural support
What patients would need a curved back insert?
Patient who require moderate trunk support
What patients would need a custom molded back insert?
patient who require significant postural support due to severe postural concerns
