Wheelchair selection points

The seven most important considerations when choosing a wheelchair for a wheel chair are the size of the wheelchair. The main parts of the wheelchair to bear weight are around the hips, the ischial tuberosities, around the femur, around the axilla, and around the scapula. The size of the wheelchair, particularly the width of the seat, the depth and height of the backrest, and the appropriate distance from the footrest to the seat cushion all affect the blood circulation of the occupant on the affected part and cause skin abrasion and even pressure ulcers. In addition, consider the safety of the patient, the ability to operate, the weight of the wheelchair, the place of use, and the appearance.

Select attention issues:

(1) Seat width: The distance between two buttocks or two strands when sitting down is measured, and there is a gap of 2.5cm on both sides after adding 5cm, that is, sitting down. The seats are too narrow, the upper and lower wheelchairs are more difficult to oppress the buttocks and thigh tissues; the seats are too wide to sit, the wheelchairs are inconvenient to operate, the limbs are easily fatigued, and access to the doors is difficult.

(2) Seat length: Measure the horizontal distance between the buttocks and the calf gastrocnemius muscles when sitting down and reduce the measurement result by 6.5cm. If the seat is too short, the weight will mainly fall on the ischial bone, which may easily result in excessive local pressure; if the seat is too long, it will oppress the axillary part and affect the local blood circulation, and it is easy to stimulate the skin of the part. For short thighs or patients with hip and knee flexion and contracture, it is better to use a short seat.

(3) Seat height: Measure the distance from the heel (or heel) to the armpit when sitting, plus 4cm. When placing the pedals, the board should be at least 5cm above the ground. Sitting position is too high, the wheelchair cannot be at the table; if the seat is too low, the ischium will bear too much weight.

(4) Cushion In order to be comfortable and prevent hemorrhoids, a seat cushion should be placed on the chair of a wheelchair. Common cushions are foam rubber pads (5 to 10cm thick) or gel pads. In order to prevent the seat from sagging, a 0.6cm thick plywood can be placed under the cushion.

(5) Back height: The higher the back, the more stable and the lower the back, the greater the upper body and upper limb activities. Lower back: Measure the distance from the seat to the armpit (one arm or two arms stretch forward) and subtract 10cm from this result. High back: Measure the actual height from the seat to the shoulder or the posterior occipital region.

(6) Handrail height: When sitting down, the upper arm is vertical, the forearm is placed flat on the armrest, and the height of the chair surface to the lower edge of the forearm is measured, plus 2.5 cm. Proper armrest height helps maintain proper body posture and balance and allows the upper limb to be placed in a comfortable position. The handrail is too high and the upper arm is forced to rise and is susceptible to fatigue. If the handrail is too low, you need to lean forward to maintain balance. Not only is it easy to fatigue, it can also affect breathing.

(7) Other accessories for wheelchairs: It is designed to meet the needs of special patients, such as adding the handle friction surface, the extension of the rutting, the shockproof device, the armrest mounting arm support, or the wheelchair table that is convenient for the patient to eat and write.