Wheelchair Prescription

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Prescription (Selection) is the third step in wheelchair service delivery and can be defined as a process of finding the best match possible between the wheelchairs available and the needs of the wheelchair user, and should always be decided with the wheelchair user, including the family member or caregiver if appropriate. [2]

The prescription (selection) process involves:

  • selecting the type and size of wheelchair most suitable for the wheelchair user;
  • selecting the type and size of cushion most suitable for the wheelchair user;
  • describing any specific set-up for that wheelchair most suitable for the wheelchair user;
  • selecting what postural support devices or modifications are needed to provide the wheelchair user
  • with additional postural support they may need.
  • agreeing with the wheelchair user what training they might need to help them use and care for their wheelchair and cushion. [3]

It is very important that prior to the prescription (selection) of a wheelchair that an extensive and accurate wheelchair assessment process has been completed as further changes following this stage can be more difficult to make. You can review the Wheelchair Assessment Process in more detail here.

Locally Available Wheelchairs and Cushions[edit | edit source]

It is very important to select the right wheelchair .The correct size wheelchair is more comfortable, helps to support upright sitting and is easier for the wheelchair user to use.

  • Frame, for example, whether it is a long or short wheelbase; the frame length; whether it is a cross-folding or rigid frame.
  • Features including the type of seat, backrest, footrests, armrests, castor wheels, rear wheels.
  • Wheelchair Size; This is usually described by the wheelchair seat width and sometimes also the depth.The seat height from the floor is also very important to know.
  • Adjustability Options; Adjustment is usually possible to two or more different positions.For example, most wheelchairs have which can be adjusted to different heights spaced evenly apart. The “range” of adjustments is from the smallest to the largest measurement.
  • Cushion; Determine which type of cushion (if any) is provided with the wheelchair or check can it be available separately.

Some wheelchair suppliers also provide:

  • Brochures or a product summary;
  • Product (wheelchair) specifications.

NOTE: Wheelchair measurements, weights, features and sometimes optional parts are often mentioned in this information. Always check whether there is information available about the wheelchairs you are prescribing. Kindly read this information so that you are familiar with the products. If suppliers do not give this information, do not forget to ask for it.

Recording the Prescription / Selection[edit | edit source]

The prescription (selection) needs to be written down. Adapt a form for your local service by listing the types of wheelchairs and cushions available in your service and sizes available.

Prescription.jpeg

Selecting Wheelchairs and Cushions[edit | edit source]

When prescribing a wheelchair for a wheelchair user who needs additional postural support to sit upright, prescription also needs to include:

  • Selecting the type and size of wheelchair most suitable for the wheelchair user;
  • Describing any specific set-up for that wheelchair;
  • Selecting the type and size of cushion;
  • Selecting the PSDs or modifications needed to provide the wheelchair user with additional postural support he/she needs.

The prescription always needs to be decided in full partnership with the wheelchair user.

Types of Wheelchair and Cushion[edit | edit source]

To prescribe a wheelchair, wheelchair service personnel should know these things about the wheelchair:

  • the type of frame;
  • the size available and size range;
  • features available;
  • adjustments possible and adjustment range.

This knowledge will help wheelchair personnel to select the most appropriate wheelchair for the wheelchair user and describe how it should be set up.The relevant part of the intermediate wheelchair prescription form is shown below

Wheelchair Type, Size and Set-up[edit | edit source]

Type of Wheelchair Wheelchair Dimensions (mm)
Seat Width:
Seat Depth:
Backrest Height:
Footrest Height:
Wheelchair Set-up:
Rear Wheel Position: Other:
Tilt:

Type of Frame[edit | edit source]

Wheelchair service personnel need to know the different types of frames that are available locally.For example is the wheelchair a three-wheel or four-wheelchair; a cross-folding or rigid frame;tilting frame; long or short wheelbase.

Size Available and Size Range[edit | edit source]

Wheelchair size is usually described by the wheelchair seat width and seat depth. The wheel chair seat width is measured from the outside of one seat rail to the outside of the opposite seat rail or between arm rests if these sit on top of seat rail. The wheelchair seat depth is measured from the front of the seat to the backrest.

Other important wheelchair dimensions include :

  • The height of the seat (this is important for wheelchair users who propel with their feet);
  • The height of the backrest. Features available:

Features Available[edit | edit source]

Possible features include the type of seat, backrest, footrest, armrests, castor wheel, rear wheel and PSDs (for example side trunk pads, headrest, straps).

Adjustments Possible and Range of Adjustment[edit | edit source]

This will include the highest and lowest setting for the footrests, whether the backrest height is adjustable, and whether there are adjustments possible in the rear axle position.

Some manual wheelchairs have more features or adjustments than this.Some features or adjustments can be very helpful for wheelchair users who need additional postural support.These features include:

  1. Adjustable Footrests
    • Most wheelchairs have footrests that can be adjusted up and down.Some have additional adjustments including moving forward or backwards and footrest angle can be increased or decreased. These adjustments give more flexibility to where the wheelchair user’s feet can be placed.
  2. Elevating Leg Rests
    • It can hold the foot up with knee extended.
    • It is helpful for wheelchair users who cannot bend their knees to neutral for sitting.
  3. Backrest Recline
    • It helps to accommodate :
      • Hips that cannot bend to neutral sitting posture.
      • Fixed posterior pelvic tilt.
      • Fixed bent posture of lower trunk.
  4. Tilt in Space
    • Tilted seat position can benefit:
      • Fixed posterior pelvis tilt with hip and knee flexion contractures.
      • Low sitting tolerance or discomfort during normal sitting position;
      • To increase comfort and rest.
  5. Rigid Seat
    • A good base to build additional postural support for the pelvis and hips;
    • More stability than a slung seat. This can be beneficial if a wheelchair user has strong uncontrolled movements or is very heavy.
  6. Rigid Backrest
    • More stability than slung/canvas backrest. This can be beneficial if a wheelchair user has strong uncontrolled movements;
    • Better support for wheelchair users who are taller and heavier and/ or have very floppy trunks

Types of Cushion[edit | edit source]

Features cover the following questions:

  • From which material cushions are made from;
  • Does the cushion provides pressure relief ;
  • Is it easy to modify the cushion;
  • Is the cushion cover water resistant.


** Other considerations regarding cushion prescription include accommodative or corrective postural support, maintenance, durability, weight, air flow and temperature regulation. [4]

Prescription of PSDs[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

  • Different designs of PSDs are available and many different ways that a wheelchair can be modified to provide a wheelchair user with additional postural support.
  • Several different PSDs are often combined for one wheelchair user to provide the overall support he/she needs.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Postural support device can be defined as a physical device that gives an additional postural support and it is an important element of intermediate level wheelchair service.

Examples of PSDs are:[edit | edit source]

  • Seat/Cushion- Pre seat bone shelf, lower seat front (one side), raised seat front, wedge for anterior tilt, build up under pelvis, pelvis side pads, outside thigh wedges, outside thigh pads, inside thigh wedge and knee separator pad
  • Seat and Backrest-Open seat to backrest angle, seat and backrest tilt (tilt in space)
  • Backrest: Rear pelvis pad, Adjust backrest shape, tension adjustable backrest, backrest recline, trunk side pads, trunk side wedges, trunk side pads used with pelvis side pads and moulded back supports
  • Tray: Tray
  • Headrest: Flat headrest and shaped headrest
  • Lower leg supports: Footrest build-ups, footrest wedges, lower leg supports
  • Straps: Pelvis strap, anterior tilt four point strap, calf strap, foot straps-behind the heel, foot straps-around the ankle, foot straps-over the front of the foot and shoulder harness.

Prescription of PSDs-To stabilize the pelvis[edit | edit source]

  • A number of PSDs are used to provide support to the pelvis.
  • When pelvis is in posterior tilt and/or slides forward, the following PSDs can be used:
    1. Pre seat bone shelf
    2. Rear pelvis pad
    3. Pelvis strap
  • When pelvis in lateral tilt (fixed unlevel pelvis), the following PSD can be used:
    1. A build up under the pelvis.
    2. Pelvis side pads
  • When pelvis moves to one side, pelvis side pads can be used.
  • When pelvis is in anterior tilt (pelvis tilts forward), the following PSD can be used:
    1. A wedge for anterior tilt.
    2. An anterior tilt four-point strap.

Prescription (selection) of PSDs-supporting the hips[edit | edit source]

  • When one hip cannot bend to neutral sitting posture (trunk to thigh angle is more than 90 degrees), lower seat front on one side can be used.
  • When both hips cannot bend to neutral sitting posture (trunk to thigh angle is more than 90 degrees), an open seat to backrest angle can be used.
  • When one or both hips cannot open to neutral sitting posture (trunk to thigh angle less than 90 degrees), raise of seat front can be used.

Prescription (selection) of PSDs-supporting the trunk[edit | edit source]

  • To support slumped posture, forward trunk and posterior pelvis tilt. PSDs solutions are:
  1. Pelvis support is provided by pre seat bone shelf, rear pelvis pad, pelvis strap (not always necessary) and pelvis side pads (not always necessary).
  2. Backrest support is provided by adjusting the backrest shape.
  3. Additional support can be provided by tray, shoulder harness and seat and backrest tilt.
  • To support slumped posture, fixed posterior tilt pelvis and forward curved trunk. PSDs solutions are:
  1. Pelvis support is provided by pre seat bone shelf, rear pelvis pad and opening up the seat to backrest angle and pelvis strap (not always necessary).
  2. Backrest support is provided by backrest recline and adjusting the backrest shape.
  3. Additional support can be provided by tray, shoulder harness and seat and backrest tilt.
  • When trunk leans or falls to one side , PSDs solutions are trunk side wedges and trunk side pads.
  • To support fixed or flexible sideways curve of the spine ,trunk side pads combined with pelvis side pads can be used.

Prescription of PSDs-To support the head and thighs.[edit | edit source]

  • To support the head , flat headrest and shaped headrest can be used.
  • To support the thighs, when legs are drawn outwards (abducted), the PSDs solutions are outside thigh wedges and outside thigh pads.
  • To support the thighs, when legs drawn inwards (adducted), the PSD solutions are inside thigh wedges and a knee separator pads.

Prescription (selection) of PSDs-supporting lower legs and feet.[edit | edit source]

  • When one or both knees bend and are fixed less than neutral sitting posture (trunk to thigh angle is more than 90 degrees).The following PSDs solutions are :
  1. Adjust the footrests backwards if possible.
  2. Adjust the angle of foot rests.
  3. Provide a strap.
  4. Shorten the seat lightly if the front of the seat is pushing on the back of the wheelchair.
  5. For a tall wheelchair user consider raising the seat front or tilting the seat and backrest.
  • When one or both knees cannot bend to neutral sitting posture. The following PSDs solutions are:
  1. Provide a standard elevating leg rest.
  2. Adjust the footrest forward.
  3. Consider providing a 3-wheeled wheelchair if available. Add footrests to the top of horizontal centre bar.
  4. Extend footrest forward by adding wood or metal.
  5. Extend the footrest hanger to more forward [2].

Good Practice[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/The_work_of_the_American_Hospital_in_Britain%2C_Park_Prewett_Hospital%2C_Basingstoke%2C_Hampshire%2C_February_1941_D2078.jpg
  2. 2.0 2.1 Intermediate Manual Pg-71-104
  3. Participants Manual Basic Pg-50-52
  4. Michael E, Sytsma T, Cowan RE. A primary care provider’s guide to wheelchair prescription for persons with spinal cord injury. Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. 2020;26(2):100-7.
  5. William Armstrong, Johan Borg, Marc Krizack, Alida Lindsley, Kylie Mines, Jon Pearlman, Kim Reisinger, Sarah Sheldon. Guidelines on the Provision of Manual Wheelchairs in Less Resourced Settings. World Health Organization; Geneva: 2008.