Educational Articles
How to Determine Proper Wheelchair Fit
Different types of wheelchairs offer a variety of options for not only how they look, but also how they feel, how they fit, how they respond, and what they can enable you to do. Choosing the correct wheelchair can mean the difference of maximizing your mobility and experiencing chronic discomfort or worse, adding additional medical problems.
Benefits of a Wheelchair
- improved mobility
- independence and increased socialization
- injury prevention
- comfort
The ideal sitting position for most people in a wheelchair follows the 90-90-90 rule. A 90-degree bend in the hips, knees, and ankles.
7 Key Measurements to Determine Proper Wheelchair Fit
· Seat Width: Should be wide enough to accommodate the hips, but not too wide that you have to stretch to reach the wheels to be able to self-propel. Be able to fit a hand between the arm rest and the hip to prevent pressure wounds.
· Seat Depth: Should be two inches away from the back of the knee to avoid blood vessel constriction in the legs.
· Seat height: Should allow your legs to be able to reach the floor with their heals to self-propel.
· Footrest Style and Length: Ensure the legs don't dangle and that they aren't pushed too high up which can lead to increased pelvic tilt. Calf support can be included if the person needs to recline their legs.
· Armrest Height: Determined by the needs of the user. You should have enough support, so your arms are not drooping. There are positioning devices that can help support the arms if needed.
· Weight: Different chairs are designed to accommodate different weight limits so keep this in mind when selecting a chair.
Although not necessary, there are extra features and accessories that can help customize a chair to improve comfort, mobility, and prevent injuries.
Contact us about outpatient and inpatient therapy:
- info@dovehealthcare.com
- 715-723-9348, ext 1250
- https://www.dovehealthcare.com/rehabilitation.phtml
Article contributed by Jessica Doser, PTA, Rehabilitation Manager at Dove Healthcare - Fennimore
References: Wound Care Solutions INC I The 7 Key Measurements to Determine Proper Wheelchair Fit
