Components of a Standard Wheelchair
What is the difference between a fixed armrest and a removable armrest?
Fixed is permanently attached, removable can be removed.
A lightweight/ultralight wheelchair usually weighs 12-13 pounds because of its lightweight material. What are the two materials that this wheelchair is made of that allow it to be so light?
Aluminum and Titanium
List 3 of the considerations taken before picking a type of wheelchair:
age, weight, diagnosis, activity limitations, expected use of wheelchair, participation limitations, and specific features to promise independence.
Name two things that can happen if the seat on the wheelchair is too high.
Insufficient trunk support, difficulty positioning knees beneath a table, difficulty propelling wheelchair because can’t reach hand rims, poor posture.
Where on the hand rims do you grasp?
The top, OR 12:00
What are the two belts (“restraints”) that can be on a wheelchair?
Lap/waist and chest
A fully reclining wheel chair may go fully horizontal and fully vertical while a semi reclining wheelchair may only recline up to how many degrees?
30 degrees
How do you measure the proper seat width in a wheelchair?
Widest part of hips plus 1.5 inches, OR be able to fit a hand between the thigh and the armrest panels, average size = 18 inches
Name two things that can happen if the seat width is too wide.
Difficulty propelling, difficulty performing lateral transfer, difficulty moving through narrow hallways, postural deviations.
What are the 2 lap and waist belts used for?
Safety and posture
Where are the caster wheels located on a standard wheelchair?
Front
A sport/recreational wheelchair has low backrests, a lightweight frame, angles wheels, a narrow sweat, and a low profile which allows it to be stable and withstand what?
Impact and Jarring
How do you measure the proper seat depth in a wheelchair?
Posterior buttock to popliteal fold minus 2 inches, OR 2-3 fingers between front edge of seat and popliteal fold, average size = 16 inches
Name two things that can happen if the armrest height on a wheelchair is too high.
Difficulty in propelling, difficulty in transfers, postural deviation, limited use of armrest.
Where is the Z/Scissors lock located on a wheelchair?
Beneath the chair seat
What can happen if both leg rests on a wheelchair are elevated while going up an incline?
The chair can tip backwards
A hemiplegic wheelchair is lowered 2 inches to allow the lower extremity to what?
Propel the chair
How do you measure the proper back height of a wheelchair?
Seat to floor of axilla with shoulders at 90 degree minus 4 inches, OR fit 4 fingers between the top of the chair and the axilla (armpit), average size = 16-16.5 inches
Name two things that can happen if the footplates on a wheelchair are too low.
Increased pressure on back of thigh, decreased upper extremity function, unsafe wheelchair mobility.
For those with decreased hand function what can be done to the wheels to help operate the chair more comfortably and efficiently?
The wheels can be coated in plastic or have projections
Which wheel lock is used for a reclining wheelchair?
Auxiliary lock
For an amputee wheelchair the rear wheel axles are positioned 2 inches posterior for what reason?
To widen the base of the chair
How do you measure the proper seat height of a wheelchair?
Heel to popliteal fold plus 2 inches, OR fit 2-3 fingers under patients thigh near edge of seat and foot plate should be at least 2 inches from the floor, average size = 19.5-20 inches
Name the two things that can happen if the back height of a wheelchair is too low.
Decreased trunk stability and increased postural deviations.
List 2 of the things needed to check during a wheelchair evaluation?
Sitting balance, stability, reaching ability, method of propulsion, transfer method, ability to change positions, sitting posture