The choice of a wheelchair is depending on a person who has lost the possibility of free movement. Ten years ago, there was no such problem at all, as there was no current variety of disabled vehicles. Today, there are many companies who provide the service of wheelchairs for sale, simply visit the site and choose your right wheelchair.
The Wheelchairs with fixed armrests are fairly simple and reliable, their design is durable and stable. They provide reliable placement of the patient in the wheelchair, safe movement. However, the fixed armrests make the transplanting process somewhat more difficult for the patient. There is two type of tries:
- Solid tires are reliable and durable but are designed to move the stroller exclusively on a flat, solid surface, as any unevenness will be rendered throughout the rider’s body. Usually, strollers with such tires are used indoors.
- Pneumatic tires are much more convenient for movement on the street, as they absorb small bumps, but require replacement and pumping over time.
How to Select a Wheelchair?
Modern types of wheelchairs include removable or reclining armrests, which creates the convenience of quick transplanting, like height adjustable and pivoting footrests. It provides comfortable accommodation for the disabled limbs, adjustable seat height, armrests. The inclined back and head restraint will create convenience and a certain comfort in daily use. The folding frame will allow making room for stroller storage and will create convenience during transportation.
There are no special requirements for taking measurements of a patient, but it is desirable that the patient is in a wheelchair that is as close as possible to his size. The following are the factor that is important to keep in mind:
- Seat width
- Seat depth
- Leg length
- Seat height
- Forearm height
- Back height
The wheelchairs designed for patients who cannot move independently. When selecting a wheelchair, it is necessary to consider the anatomical features of the patient and environmental factors. Proper wheelchair selection will allow:
- To ensure the distribution of the patient’s mass over the widest possible surface;
- Facilitate movement and prevent contact and friction of body parts on the side walls;
- By setting the maximum width of the wheelchair, minimize the problem of moving indoors, bathroom and other confined spaces.
Determining the Width of the Seat of a Wheelchair
Measurement is carried out through the widest areas of the hips or the iliac bones using a measuring tape. 5 cm is added to the value obtained. When measuring, the possibility of using thick clothing for patients should also be considered. Determining the width of the seat is the most important measurement. The challenge is to:
- To ensure the distribution of the patient’s weight on the widest possible surface;
- Facilitate movement and prevent contact and friction of body parts on the side walls;
- Set the maximum width of the wheelchair in such a way as to minimize the problem of movement in the doors, bathroom and other confined spaces.
An Example
The dimensions taken in the widest part of the patient’s hips or iliac bones were 40 cm, in which case the normal seat width should be 46 cm. This will provide an additional clearance of 2.5 cm on each side.
The Seat is Too Narrow:
The volume of movement and the degree of mobility will be sharply limited due to the fact that turning the torso along the axis is difficult. Since the weight of the patient is distributed on a smaller surface, the pressure on the sciatic tubercles increases. This can cause secondary complications associated with the formation of pressure sores. The seat is too wide.
The Seat is Too Wide:
It creates difficulties of both physical and external order. Reduced stability in a sitting position and this affects the correct body position. It may be difficult to move the chair forward. To facilitate the movement of the stroller forward, the patient will have to resort to using hands.
Determining the Depth of a Wheelchair Seat
Determining the depth of the wheelchair seat. The distribution of body weight on the buttocks and thighs should occur in such a way as not to cause excessive pressure on the sciatic tubercles. At the same time, circulatory disturbances and irritations of the skin and popliteal areas are warned. The measurement is carried out with a measuring tape, noting the distance from the edge of the buttock along the thigh to the inner bend of the knee. To get the correct size of the depth of the seat, 5-7.5 cm is taken from the obtained value.
An Example
The total value was 46 cm, subtract 5 cm from it. The seat depth, thus, is 41 cm.
Seat Depth is Too Small:
If the depth of the seat is too small, then additional body weight is distributed to the buttocks and thighs, resulting in increased pressure on the sciatic tubercles and the centre of gravity. Deviations of this nature increase the risk of the patient falling forward when the wheelchair move.
Seat Depth is too Large:
Excessive depth of the chair may, due to pressure, interfere with blood circulation and cause irritation of the skin in the upper gastrocnemius muscle and the popliteal area.
Final verdict
Models of active type wheelchairs allow patients and disabilities people to lead an active lifestyle, move quickly and easily, manoeuvre in space. So choose according to your desire.
