Useful Guide in Getting the Right Wheelchair Measurements

In buying wheelchair, you must not only consider the brand and the materials where this is made from, but most important of all, you have to get the right wheelchair measurements that will suit the person who is going to use the tool. This comes in many types these days, from the most basic to the more advanced kinds. This is used by people who are down with illnesses or affected with injuries, which made it impossible or difficult for them to walk.

Brief Look Back

The earliest wheelchair measurements were made during the 6th century, with clear evidence such as the stone slate with inscription that was found in China. It was in the year 1933 when the first kind that was made of steel, collapsible and lightweight wheelchair was invented by mechanical engineers Harry Jennings and Herbert Everest. Everest was disabled due to a mining accident. They saw the potential of the product and paved the way to mass produce such. They created the x-brace design of this tool that is still very common even with the more advanced creations these days.

Measuring Guide

When it comes to wheelchair measurements, the buyer must come with accurate dimensions of its overall width. You have to consider where this tool is going to be used so that you can identify the smallest and most narrow of different passages such as elevators and doorways and the entrance and bathroom door at home. The overall width of the different types of this tool can be measured using certain formulas. For the standard folding kind, reclining and bariatric types, 8" must be added on its seat width and 3" must be added on the seat width of the transport kind.

The wheelchair measurements must be based on the needs of the patient and caregiver above everything else. If the tool needs to be pushed most of the time, it is advisable to get the lightweight Transport kind to make it easier for the one who will push to get the activity done. If the patient can propel the tool on their own, it is preferable that they get the standard kinds with larger rear wheels.

More about the Sizes

There are many different wheelchair measurements. The international specifications state that the standard height must be from 0.90 to 1.10 meters. The distance between the seat and footrest must be 0.30 meters and 0.18 to 0.22 meters from the footrest to the floor. The entire chair's width must be from 0.60 to 0.70 meters.

At the end of it all, the wheelchair measurements must be based on the comfort of the user and the ease of the person who is going to help the patient in pushing the tool.

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