Wheelchair's

Question 1

Seat Depth

Answer 1

measured from most posterior point of body to inside of knee, minus 2-3 in when knee is flexed to 90

If depth is too short, pressure builds on ischial tuberosity

if too long patient can slide forward and will have pressure in popliteal area

Question 2

Back height

Answer 2

measured from seat base to inferior angle of scapula

this depends on how much back support is needed and limits UE rotation

Question 3

rear seat to floor

Answer 3

measured frim ground to rear seat edge. this determines the dump or squeeze of the seat

Question 4

hanger angle

Answer 4

determines how far the toes extend away from body, measured from the horizontal.

Tighter angle allows chair to turn around in less space

is determined by pts. ability to bend knee

Question 5

How much room should their be between footplate and floor?

Answer 5

min of 2in.

Measured by length of lower leg and foot subtracted by height of the cushion

Question 6

seat width

Answer 6

widest point of the patients hips and thighs then add 2 in

if too narrow could hurt greater troch

if too wide they will have difficulty moving the chair

Question 7

wheel chamber

Answer 7

angle of the wheel relative to the vertical.

More camber improves stability and agility but limits ability to pass through narrow spaces

Question 8

front seat to floor

Answer 8

measure leg from back of knee to sole of foot then subtract thickness of cushion, then add min of 2 in for footrest clearance

Question 9

arm rest height

Answer 9

in sitting upper arm flexed to 90 deg. Measure distance from seat surface to olecranon.

if this is not done properly posture and effecctivness to use the WC will be altered