Item Brochure

Achieving a proper fit for a user in his or her new
wheelchair can be extremely critical to the patient’s
health and wellness. It can make the difference
between either promoting recovery or causing further
injury. Some of the issues that an improper fit can
cause for the user of the wheelchair are:
• Postureissues
• Breathingproblems
• Sores
• Discomfort
• Pelvicissues
• Hipproblems
Measure for
a perfect fit
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Determine Seat Size
• Seatwidthshouldbedeterminedbymeasuringfromhipto
hip in a straight line. Add two inches to this measurement.
• Seatdepthshouldbedeterminedbymeasuringfromthe
back of the hip to the back of the knee of the user while
seated. Subtract one inch from this measurement.
Determine Arm Type and Height
• Iftheuserisgoingtobestandinguptodopivottransfers,
they will require a full-length arm on the chair to help support
them as they push off to stand.
• Desk-lengtharmsaresuggestedforeaseofusewithtables
and desks.
• Determinetheheightofthewheelchairarmbymeasuringfrom
the elbow to the seat of the chair while the user is holding their
arms up with their elbows bent at a ninety degree angle. Height
adjustable arms are suggested when possible.
Determine Footrest Style
• Elevatinglegrestsarealwayssuggestedwhenpatients
are required to raise their legs for conditions such as edema,
swelling or injury.
• Determinethelengthofthefootrestbymeasuringfromtheback
of the knee to the heel of the foot.
• Intallerpatients,considerusingarticulatinglegrests.Theseleg
rests extend longer as the elevating portion of the leg rest rises.
Determine Back Height
• Determinethemeasurementfromthepatient’sscapulaor
collarbone down to the seat while the user is sitting in a chair.
• Tallerbackheightsmayberequiredforpatientsthatrequire
upper trunk support or other support devices that may be
installed for the user.
Determine Floor to Seat Height
• Determineiftheuserwillneedtousehisorherfeettopropel
or move. Measure the distance between the back of the knee
to the heel to determine the seat to floor height.
Determine Wheelchair Weight and Weight Limit
• Determinethepatient’sweightinordertochoosewhatweight
capacity wheelchair will be required.
• Determinethelevelofupperbodystrengthintheuser.Weaker
patients will require lighter wheelchairs.
How to determine which
wheelchair is the best fit.
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WHEELCHAIRS
Best Fit
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