Sizing A Wheelchair

By Ross Bryan

This is my first article on wheelchairs. This complicatedsubject requires several articles, but for now let's just dealwith size.

The size of a wheelchair is, as one might assume, based on thesize of the person using it. Basically, if you are narrow youneed a narrow wheelchair and if not, they do make some widerones. A standard wheelchair is 18 inches wide. Narrow is 2"narrower and wide is 2" wider. For very specific situationscustom chairs are built to exact specifications.

The measuring of the width of a seat is important if the chairis going to be patient propelled. If the wheelchair is too wide,the patient's forearms will chafe on the armrests of thewheelchair. Personally, if the patient is not going to propelhim/herself, I tend to suggest a wider chair to offer the personsome extra "wiggle room".

The seat depth, being from approximately the back of the chairto the knees, is a standard at 16" and again shorter anddeeper lengths are available.

The next measurement required is the seat height, the distancefrom the floor to the seat. Standard height is between 181/2" to 19 1/2".

Here a number of things must be considered. With many strokevictims it is advantageous for them to use one foot to aid inpropelling the chair. In order to reach the ground properly alower seat is prescribed. A "Hemi-Height" wheelchair isone with a seat about 2" lower than normal and a"Super-Low" at about 4" lower.

There are a number of other measurements to consider as well.It should be noted that every situation has its limitations andconsequences.

Look to a healthcare professional to measure and recommend a chair for you.

Ross Bryan is the manager of Tranquil Lane Products Inc. If you require a more in-depth explanation or have questions you can e-mail Ross at article@tranquillane.com. Please put the article heading in the Subject: .

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