Why custom wheelchairs?
There are many different types of wheelchairs and different people in wheelchairs, and different people need different wheelchairs or electric wheelchairs with different functions, especially for people with special disabilities, it is not easy to buy a suitable wheelchair.
Because custom wheelchairs cannot be mass-produced, custom wheelchairs are more expensive and have a longer lead time.
The most important step for custom wheelchairs is to measure the size, some custom wheelchair manufacturers can arrange for professionals to come and measure, but of course, it is better to learn how to measure yourself, Youjie Tech will explain in detail how to measure the size of custom wheelchairs and tips.
Custom Wheelchair Size Measurement
1. Width of the Hip Bone:
Straight line distance of the lateral hip, including the uncompressed soft tissue (not circumference).
2. Height of the Hip Elbow:
The vertical distance from the lowest horizontal surface of the hip to the elbow when sitting flat.
3. Thigh Length:
The straight line distance from the last point of the hip to the bend of the knee measured parallel to the thigh.
4. Calf Length:
The vertical distance from the bend of the knee to the bottom of the foot is measured vertically.
5. Thigh Height:
The vertical distance from the contact surface on the seat to the highest point of the thighs.
6. Scapular Height:
The distance from the hips to the lower edge of the scapula when sitting upright.
After we have measured the body size, the next step is to customize the wheelchair. So how should the size of the wheelchair be set?
How to Customize Wheelchair?
1. Seat Width
Wheelchair seat width size for the user to sit in the position of the distance between the two hips size plus 5CM, that is, after sitting on each side of the gap of 2.5CM. If the seat width is too wide, the arms to push the wheelchair stretch too much, easy to fatigue, the body can not maintain balance. And the wheelchair cannot pass through the narrow aisle. If the seat is too narrow, it is more difficult to get in and out of the wheelchair, and the hip and thigh tissue is compressed.
2. Seat Height
The seat height of the wheelchair is the distance from the heel to the popliteal fossa in the sitting position plus 4CM, which is the sitting height size. In addition, the wheelchair seat height can also be matched by the height of the footrest. If the seat is too high will cause both lower limbs to lose support and the suspension body can not maintain balance. If the seat height is too low, the hips will bear all the gravity, causing damage to the soft tissues of the hips, and it will be very hard to operate the wheelchair.
3. Seat Depth
Wheelchair seat depth is the distance from the last side of the hip to the popliteal fossa in a sitting position minus 6.5CM. If the seat is too long will compress the popliteal fossa, affecting the local blood circulation, compression of blood vessels and nerve tissue, and will wear the skin. If the seat is too short, it will increase the pressure on the hip, causing discomfort, pain, soft tissue damage, and pressure sores. For patients with short thighs or hip or knee flexion contractures, it is better to use a short seat.
4. Armrest Height
The height of the armrest of the wheelchair is the distance from the seat surface to the lower edge of the forearm plus 2.5CM in a sitting position, keeping the upper and lower arms at 90 degrees. If the armrest is too high, the shoulders are overhead and easy to muscle strain, and pushing the wheel ring can easily cause skin abrasions on the upper arms. If the armrests are too low, the wheelchair will cause the upper arms to lean forward, causing the torso to lean out of the wheelchair. This may lead to deformation of the spine and compression of the chest, causing breathing difficulties. The sinking shoulder may easily cause shoulder subluxation.
5. Backrest Height
The height of the wheelchair low backrest for the sitting position, from the seat surface vertical upward to the armpit distance minus 10cm. The lower the backrest, the greater the range of movement of the upper part of the body and arms, the more convenient functional activities. But the support surface is small, affecting the smoothness of the torso. Therefore, only people with good balance and mild activity impairment choose a wheelchair with a low backrest. The higher the backrest and the larger the support surface, the more it will affect the body’s activities, so the height should be adjusted according to the person.
