When choosing a wheelchair, be it a normal chair or a folding electric wheelchair, you should think about making your life more enjoyable. This should give your body more freedom and independence.
You Want To Support And Maintain A Good Position By:
- choose the padding that suits your shape and size
- that your spine is aligned with your head and neck
- adjust the pelvis to the hips and knees
The Wheelchair Should Not Create A Pressure Point. This Can Be Achieved By:
- making sure the seat is the right size
- making sure the pressure relief pads are correct
- making sure there is enough space between the seat and the legs and the floor
Table of Contents
The Dimensions
When sitting in a wheelchair, you should not feel any pressure, but you should have enough space to move the chair, move your arms or rotate your upper body. However, your body also needs to be supported, especially if you are trying to maintain posture or get tired easily.
You may need help to measure yourself correctly. Make sure you sit comfortably and have good support. Keep your hips at a 90 degree angle and your feet straight, keeping your back as straight as you can. Create and write the following distances:
The Width Of The Seat
This width is more than just a seat, not a total seat. Measure the width of the thigh to the widest part and add a thumb on each side. The width of the backrest should not be too large, as this may cause you to lean to the side for extra support, especially if you are struggling with poor upper body control.
The Height Of The Armrest
This length is measured as the distance from the seat to the elbow when the elbow is bent approximately 90 degrees. A better way to understand this is the angle that is created when the elbow rests on the armrest. Do not lean too far to one side when measuring.
The Length Of The Seat
This is the vertical distance measured from the back of the knee to the foot or heel of the shoe. This distance will take into account the height of the wheelchair to the footrest. Add about 2 inches to this amount to get the total height of the chair from floor to chair. Back length
The length of the back is largely determined by how much support is needed. With good upper body strength, only a short backpack is needed. Depending on what support you need, you can get the following measurements:
Vertical distance from the front of the seat to the back of the head. This is necessary if you also need head support.
Vertical distance from the top of the seat to the top of the shoulders. This is a must if you need support up to your spine.
Vertical distance from the surface of the chair to the bottom of the blades. This is a must if you are sitting comfortably with little back support.
The Width Of The Back
It is measured from the widest part of the back, under the armpits. With your back wider, wider than your hips and thighs, and the need for back support, you may need to look for a wider chair or have a backrest recommended by an expert.
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