How to Size a Wheelchair

How to Size a Wheelchair

When determining how to size a wheelchair to meet your needs, you need to consider fit, placement and overall comfort. In his book, Living with Spinal Cord Injury, author Adrian Cristian, MD, shares the following criteria for an ideal seated position in a wheelchair.

Your hips and knees should be bent at about 90 degrees each.

Your thighs should be slightly spread apart.

The normal curvatures of your spind should be preserved. Abnormal curvatures that cannot be corrected should be accommodated.

Your head should be directly over the pelvis, the eyes looking directly ahead and level.

Dr. Cristian also points out that special conditions may require special chairs such as a reclining or tilt-in-space wheelchair for those who cannot shift weight or have poor arm strength.

A power wheelchair may be best suited for those who cannot push a manual wheelchair, have poor trunk control, or significant curvatures of the spine.

A properly sized wheelchair must support and accommodate your entire body, including back, hips, legs, knees, ankles, and buttocks.

Your weight should be evenly distributed and you should have a good seat pad designed to relieve pressure points that could potentially cause sores. In addition, your mobility chair needs to be comfortable, cool, and easy to push.

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How to Size a Wheelchair

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