Some Purchase Tips For Wheelchairs
Seat Width: Measure the distance between the hips or between the two hips when sitting down, after adding 5cm, that is, after sitting down, there is a gap of 2.5cm on each side. The seat is too narrow, it is difficult to get on and off the wheelchair, but the hips and thighs are compressed; the seat is too wide, it is not easy to sit firmly, the wheelchair is not easy to operate, the limbs are easy to fatigue, and it is also difficult to enter and exit the gate.
Seat length: Measure the horizontal distance from the rear hip to the calf gastrocnemius muscle when sitting down, and reduce the measurement result by 6.5 cm. If the seat is too short, the weight will mainly fall on the ischial bone, which is easy to cause excessive local pressure. If the seat is too long, it will compress the popliteal fossa and affect the local blood circulation, and it is easy to irritate the skin. For patients with short thighs or hip and knee flexion contractures, it is better to use a short seat.
Seat height: Measure the distance from the heel (or heel) to the popliteal fossa when sitting down, and add 4cm. When placing the foot pedal, the board should be at least 5cm above the ground. If the seat is too high, the wheelchair cannot enter the table; if the seat is too low, the ischium bears too much weight.
Cushions For comfort and prevention of bedsores, seats should be placed on wheelchair chairs. Common cushions are foam rubber cushion (5 ~ 10cm thick) or gel cushion. To prevent the seat from sinking, place a 0.6cm thick plywood under the seat cushion.
Backrest height: The higher the backrest, the more stable, and the lower the backrest, the greater the movement of the upper body and upper limbs. Low chair back: Measure the distance from the sitting surface to the armpit (one arm or two arms stretched forward), and reduce the result by 10 cm. High chair back: Measure the actual height from the sitting surface to the shoulder or back pillow.
Armrest height: When sitting down, the upper arm is vertical, and the forearm is lying on the armrest. Measure the height from the chair surface to the lower edge of the forearm, plus 2.5cm. Proper armrest height helps maintain proper body posture and balance, and allows upper limbs to be placed in a comfortable position. The armrest is too high, the upper arm is forced to lift up, and it is susceptible to fatigue. If the armrest is too low, you need to lean forward to maintain balance, which is not only easy to fatigue, but also can affect breathing.
Other wheelchair accessories: designed to meet the needs of special patients, such as increasing the friction surface of the handle, the extension of the car box, the shockproof device, the armrest to install the armrest, or the wheelchair table that is convenient for patients to eat and write.
