When choosing a wheelchair there are a lot of questions that need to be considered before purchasing. First of all, it concerns the dimensions. It is also worth considering the scope of rehabilitation equipment. Consider the types of strollers for people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the main selection criteria.
Wheelchair Features
Many people confuse concepts such as a wheelchair and a stroller. The first option relates to passive rehabilitation equipment, which can be moved by a third party. The wheelchair is often used for home use. Its weight can reach 8 kg, and the patient can be transported on it up to 100 kg. The advantage of the wheelchair is mobility, it is easy to fold and carry. The weight and width of the wheelchair are greater, but the patient himself can control it, which reduces his dependence on other people.
The choice of equipment for rehabilitation depends on the physiological characteristics and needs of the person, as well as on how impaired the motor apparatus is. Wheelchairs for people with disabilities are sold in specialized stores. It is important when choosing to familiarize yourself with the quality certificate and state licenses for the goods.
Wheelchair Types
Not sure how wide the wheelchair is? First of all, you should familiarize yourself with its types. It is on the type and modification that its dimensions depend.
Types of rehabilitation equipment for movement:
- Active type. Strollers of this type are designed for independent movement of patients. They are made of durable materials for long-term loads, but have a slightly lightweight design for ease of movement.
- Lever / mechanical drive. The devices are equipped with pneumatic tires that allow the stroller to be used on different surfaces. Here, when choosing, you need to consider the width of the wheelchair on wheels. The design is reliable, safe, has an adjustable back. It can be used even by people who are actively involved in sports.
- Electric wheelchair. Designed for free movement both at home and on the street. The design works on batteries, equipped with a control panel. Her management does not require much effort. The advantages of this stroller are the convenience and ease of use, the disadvantage is the high cost.
- Sports stroller. Equipped for various sports. The wheels of such strollers are angled, but mobile and stable.
- Child seats. Most often made to order, given the size of the child. The backrest in such structures must be adjustable.
- Sanitary device. This is a stroller that is equipped with certain amenities (for example, a removable boat). It can take a shower or use the toilet.
Standard dimensions and width of wheelchairs
Often, equipment for the movement of persons with disorders of the musculoskeletal system have standard sizes. The stroller should easily pass through doorways and drive into ramps in public places.
Wheelchair Standard Sizes:
- height - from 93 cm to 109 cm;
- length - from 110 cm to 120 cm;
- the distance between the front wheels is about 65 cm;
- back width - 45 cm;
- seat depth (from edge to base of back) - from 40 cm to 45 cm;
- the height of the armrests is 25 cm.
The width of the wheelchair is selected depending on the size of the person’s clothing. There are also standard sizes.
How to choose the width of the rehabilitation equipment depending on the size of the clothes:
- less than the 46th - width up to 40 cm;
- 46-50th - 42–43 cm;
- 51-54th - 44–46 cm;
- above the 55th - 48–58 cm.
To correctly determine the width of the wheelchair, it’s worth adding another 3 cm to the standard width, that is, take into account the thickness of the clothes for the winter. In addition, the dimensions are approximate, although standard, depending on the manufacturer. It is better to choose a product with the patient, how comfortable he will feel in a particular model.
Dimensions according to GOST
The dimensions of medical devices for the movement of persons with disorders of the musculoskeletal system are clearly regulated by state standards.
The size and width of the wheelchair according to GOST 50602-93 has the following indicators:
- height - 109 cm;
- distance between wheels - 70 cm;
- length - 120 cm.
Sizes are also provided for individuals with a large body weight or patients with amputated lower limbs. For them, the length can be increased up to 175 cm, and the width up to 81 cm.
Varieties of strollers in size:
- street options - length up to 120 cm, width - 70 cm;
- for home use - length 110 cm, width - up to 67 cm.
Street models are slightly larger, because their track width is up to 70 cm. They are equipped with wider wheels and are characterized by high wear resistance. They can be used at home, as they pass through doorways without obstacles.
Wheelchair weight, frame and material
When choosing, you need to consider not only the width of the wheelchair, but also such indicators as the weight of the structure, the features of the frame and the material from which the seat is made.
Dimensions and weight depend on the model of construction. On average, rehabilitation equipment for movement weighs up to 19 kg. There are options with a lightweight aluminum frame up to 15 kg. The weight of the sports model can vary from 8 to 15 kg. The increased carrying capacity, which is important for obese patients, is characterized by strollers with a reinforced double frame and an expanded seat.
The frame may differ depending on the design features of the material of manufacture. Most often, it is made of steel, and sometimes aluminum or chromium. Structural elements can be folding or monolithic. The first option is preferable, since it can easily be folded and transported.
The seat and backrest are made of leatherette or absorbent material. They are easy to sanitize and have a high level of comfort.
Criterias of choice
To choose the most functional and optimal version of the stroller, it is worth considering where and how the equipment will be used in the first place.
What else to consider when choosing:
- a feature of the pathology of the musculoskeletal system in humans;
- where the construction will be used more (at home or on the street);
- the presence of steps and anti-tipping system;
- frame feature (folding for transportation or monolithic);
- type and width of wheels.
The main parameters when choosing a stroller is its width, seat depth and back height. Most often, options for the active type are selected, because they are comfortable, convenient, light in weight, and easily fold into the trunk of any car. Among this option there are wheelchairs 60 cm wide.
When choosing children's rehabilitation equipment, it is worth considering the age of the child. Among them are basic and active models. In a separate group, it is worth highlighting strollers for children with cerebral palsy. They can have various devices, depending on the capabilities and needs of the child, to ensure their safe stay in the chair. It is important that they are equipped with side brackets, have a strong and comfortable back, a single footrest, head braces and belts.
Wheelchair Width
The maximum width of rehabilitation equipment is up to 42 cm. If the width of the stroller is greater, this will make it difficult to pass into narrow doorways and elevators. To determine the required size, it is worth measuring the hips (in the widest areas). It is worth adding about 3-5 cm to the obtained length. For example, for a person with a clothing size of 48, 42 cm + 5 cm + 2 cm (for outer clothing) will fit 49 cm. In this case, the wheel width will remain standard 70 cm.
To determine the depth of the seat, it is worth measuring the size of the person in a sitting position, from the thigh to the knees and subtract 5 cm. These are the most important indicators when choosing a rehabilitation device. If the seat is narrow, the person’s motor ability will be limited, since turning the body will be inconvenient. The risk of bedsores is also increased. If, on the contrary, the seat is wide, the back of the patient in this case is not fixed, which can lead to curvature of the spine.
An important criterion is the depth of the seat. If it is small, the body weight will be distributed unevenly, which will increase the load on the spine. If too large, the patient may fall out of the chair or develop spinal deformity.
If the optimal seat depth cannot be selected, it can be adjusted using an orthopedic pillow, which is fixed on the side.
Seat height
This indicator depends on the characteristics of the spine. If a person has an injury to the cervical spine, the back should be higher, but so that the patient does not sit hunched over. It is also worth remembering that the height can be increased with the help of an orthopedic pillow, which is located under the hips.
To determine the height, it is worth measuring the distance from the heel to the knee plus 5 cm and the height of the pillow, if it will be used. If a polyurethane pillow is used, it is halved during landing.
The footboard is located at a distance of 5 cm from the floor. If the height of the seat increases, so does the height of the footboard. If the footrest and seat are low, they will prevent the wheels from moving, and when hitting a small hole, the patient may fall. If it is high, a person will not drive up to the table, or it will be difficult for him to reach objects that are located at the level of the stroller.
The width of the passage for a wheelchair is from 90 cm to 150 cm, there are no restrictions on height.
Armrest height
This criterion plays an important role to ensure the comfort of the patient’s sitting in rehabilitation equipment. To determine the required size, it is worth measuring the distance from the elbows to the seat plus 2.5 cm. It is at this level that the armrests should be located. It is better to choose adjustable ones to choose their location individually, and not be guided by standards.
If the armrests are low, this can affect posture, increase human fatigue, and even lead to difficulty breathing. If it is too high, they will cease to fulfill their task, namely, to support the forearms.
Wheelchair Wheels
The wheels for the rehabilitation device are selected depending on where they will be used the most. They can be pneumatic and cast.
Pneumatic wheels have higher cushioning properties, cast - more durable, reliable and wear-resistant. The first option is suitable for traveling on uneven surfaces, the ride will be soft. The second option is for home use, since if the alloy wheels are slightly damaged, they cannot be repaired, but require replacement. The width of the wheelchair on wheels does not depend on their variety.
The standard sizes of ramps in public places are up to 1 m. The width of the wheelchair for the ramp is optimal up to 58 cm plus a frame. The wider the standard model, the higher the structural elements.
Conclusion
When choosing a wheelchair is worth considering many nuances. If the standard sizes do not fit, you can order rehabilitation equipment for an individual order. It is worth paying attention to the dimensions, width, height of the product, the design feature of the frame, the material for the back and the type of wheels.