Wheelchairs Flashcards
6 Types of Wheelchairs
- Semi-reclining
- Reclining
- Externally Powered Wheelchair
- Sports Wheelchair
- Lightweight or Ultralight Wheelchair
- Standard Wheelchairs
6 Key Measurements to take in order to determine w/c size
- Seat Width
- Seat Depth
- Leg Length/Seat to footplate length
- Seat Height
- Arm Rest Height
- Back Height
How do you determine seat width?
Patients hip width at WIDEST part and then add 2 inches
What are the 2 problems with wheelchairs that are too wide?
- Patients cannot exhibit good postural stability
- They will not be able to reach their pushrims
What is the problem with wheelchairs that are too narrow?
Pressure sores begin to develop
How do you determine seat depth?
Measure posterior buttock to the posterior aspect of the lower leg on the popliteal fossa and then subtract 2-3 inches
What is the problem with wheelchairs whose seat depth is too short?
The patient will not have enough support
What are the 2 problems with wheelchairs whose seat depth is too long?
- Pressure sores begin to develop
- Circulation may begin to be cutoff (increase risk for deep vein thrombosis)
How do you determine leg Length/Seat to footplate length?
Measure from the bottom of the shoe (with footwear) to below thigh in the popliteal fossa.
*IF a seat cushion is used, subtract that height from the patient’s measurement
What is the problem with wheelchairs whose leg length is too long?
The pt ends up trying to reach out and develop sacral pressure sores
What is the problem with wheelchairs whose leg length is too short?
The patient’s posture is compensated
Do you have to measure for w/c seat height?
NO
What is the minimum clearance between floor and footplate?
2”
Typically how do you determine seat height?
Add 2 inches to the patient’s leg length measurement
What are the risks with wheelchairs whose back height is too high?
If it is too high you will put the pt in trunk flexion
What do you measure to determine the arm rest height?
From seat platform to just below the elbow held at 90 degrees with the shoulder in neutral position then add 1”
What is the problem with wheelchairs whose arm rest height is too high?
It forces the traps up causing cervical issues
What is the problem with wheelchairs whose arm rest height is too low?
The pt will slouch forward trying to reach them causing postural compensations
What does back height depend on?
The amount of needed support
What are the 3 measurements needed to determine back height?
From seat platform to…
A. Lower angle of scapula
B. Midscapula
C. Top of Shoulder
*If a cushion is used add its height to the pt measurement
What are the 2 problems associated with added back height?
- May have difficulty getting the w/c in and out of the car
- Pt cannot hook arm around back hand rests for pressure relief
Purpose of W/C Cushions
- Improves pelvic position
- Relieves Pressure
3 Types of w/c cushions
Contoured Foam
Fluid/Gel or Fluid/Gel/Plus Foam: Custom Molded
Air Cushion
What does ATP stand for?
Assistive Technology Professional
