Wheelchair Assessment - Body Measurements
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Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly, Rucha Gadgil, Kim Jackson, Amrita Patro and Olajumoke Ogunleye
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Accurate measurement of the client will enable clinicians to:
- Correctly size trial equipment for the client
- Reduce the number of client transfers and improve time management by pre-setting the seating and wheeled mobility equipment according to body measurement prior to an appointment
- Have an accurate reference for the final seating configuration and any future equipment trials, and
- Outline the clinical reasoning behind the specifications of wheeled mobility prescriptions in funding applications.
Preparations[edit | edit source]
Measuring Tools[edit | edit source]
- Use a retractable metal tape measure
- clipboards/books can be used to help measure accurately (see How to take body measurements).
- Large callipers are an additional tool that can be very useful. These can be made locally from wood.
- Foot-blocks can be used to support the wheelchair user’s feet at the correct height.
Process[edit | edit source]
- Ask the wheelchair user to sit as upright as possible.
- The wheelchair user’s feet should be supported on the floor or on foot-blocks if they cannot reach the floor comfortably.
- For all measurements, make sure the tape measure is held straight and the wheelchair user is sitting upright. Holding a clipboard/book on either side of the wheelchair user can help in obtaining an accurate measurement.
- Bend down to ensure you are viewing the tape measure at the correct angle.
Specific Measurements[edit | edit source]
A well-fitted seating and wheeled mobility system requires a ‘made-to-measure’ solution. Generally, the more seating surface that is in contact with the client, the more body measurements need to be obtained for a wheelchair prescription.
Basic Measurements[edit | edit source]
Five measurements from the wheelchair user are needed to choose the best available size of wheelchair for for a wheelchair user that does not require additional postural support and has good trunk control.
