Size of wheelchair
A wheelchair is composed of large wheels, small wheels, handwheel rings, tires, brakes, seat and other large and small components. Due to the different functions required by wheelchair users, the size of the wheelchair is also different. According to the different body shapes of adults and children, it is also divided into toddler wheelchairs and adult wheelchairs. But basically speaking, the total width of a conventional wheelchair is 65cm, the total length is 104cm, and the height of the seat is 51cm.
Choosing a wheelchair is also a very troublesome task, but for the convenience and safety of use, it is necessary to choose a suitable wheelchair. When purchasing a wheelchair, attention should be paid to the measurement of the seat width. The best width is the distance between the user's buttocks or thighs when sitting, plus 5cm, which means there is a gap of 2.5cm on both sides after sitting.
The structure of a wheelchair
A regular wheelchair generally consists of four parts: the wheelchair frame, wheels, brake system, and seat support. Below is a brief description of the functions of each main component of the wheelchair.
1. The large wheels bear the main weight. There are several diameters of wheels, including 51, 56, 61, and 66cm. Except for a few cases where solid tires are used due to environmental requirements, pneumatic tires are more commonly used.
2. There are several diameters of small wheels, including 12, 15, 18, and 20cm. Larger wheels are easier to cross small obstacles and special carpets. But the diameter is too large, which increases the space occupied by the entire wheelchair and makes it inconvenient to move around. Normally, the small wheels are placed before the large wheels, but in wheelchairs used by lower limb paraplegics, the small wheels are often placed behind the large wheels. It should be noted during operation that the direction of the small wheel should be perpendicular to the large wheel, otherwise it is prone to tipping over.
3. The handwheel ring is unique to wheelchairs and generally has a diameter 5cm smaller than the larger wheel rim. When driving hemiplegia with one hand, add a smaller diameter option for selection. The handwheel ring is usually pushed directly by the patient.
4. There are three types of tires: solid, inflatable inner tube, and tubeless inflatable. Solid type can walk quickly on flat ground and is not easy to explode or push, but it vibrates greatly on uneven roads and is difficult to pull out when stuck in a groove the same width as the tire; Inflatable inner tubes are difficult to push and easy to puncture, but the vibration is smaller than solid ones; The tubeless inflatable type is more difficult to push than the solid one because it does not puncture and the interior is also inflated, making it comfortable to sit on.
5. The braking system should have brakes on each wheel. Of course, for hemiplegic individuals who can only use one hand, one hand braking is necessary. However, an extension rod can be installed to operate the brakes on both sides. There are two types of brakes: (1) notch brakes. This brake is safe and reliable, but it requires more effort. After adjustment, it can also brake on slopes. If it cannot brake on flat ground when adjusted to level 1, it is considered invalid. (2) Elbow brake. By utilizing the lever principle and braking through several joints, its mechanical advantages are stronger than notch brakes, but it fails faster. To increase the braking force of the patient, an extension rod is often added to the brake, but this rod is prone to damage and may affect safety if not checked regularly.
The height, depth, and width of the chair seat depend on the patient's body shape, and the material texture also depends on the disease type. Generally, the depth is 41cm and 43cm, the width is 40cm and 46cm, and the height is 45cm and 50cm.
To avoid pressure sores, seat cushions are an indispensable element, and the selection of cushions should also be highly careful.
8. Foot supports and leg supports can be cross side or split side, both of which are ideal for being able to swing to one side and be detachable. Attention must be paid to the height of the footrest. If the foot support is too high, the hip flexion angle will be too large, and more weight will be added to the ischial tuberosity, which can easily cause pressure ulcers in that area.
9. There are differences in height, tilting ability, and non tilting ability when leaning back to back. If the patient has good balance and control of the torso, a low back wheelchair can be used to provide greater mobility for the patient. On the contrary, a high back wheelchair should be chosen.
10. The armrest or arm rest is generally 22.5-25cm higher than the seat surface, and some arm rests can be adjusted in height. You can also place a board on the arm rest for reading and dining.
Scope and characteristics of wheelchair use
At present, there are many types of wheelchairs on the market, which can be divided into aluminum alloy, lightweight materials, and steel according to their materials. For example, they can be classified into ordinary wheelchairs and special wheelchairs according to their types Special wheelchairs can be divided into: leisure and sports wheelchair series, electronic wheelchair series, seat side wheelchair series, assistive wheelchair series, etc
Ordinary wheelchair: mainly composed of wheelchair frame, wheels, brakes and other devices
Scope of application: Lower limb disabilities, hemiplegia, paraplegia below the chest, and elderly people with limited mobility.
Features: Patients can operate fixed or detachable armrests, fixed or detachable foot pedals, and can fold and place them when going out or not in use.
According to different models and prices, it can be divided into hard seat, soft seat, inflatable tire or solid core tire.
Special wheelchair: With comprehensive functions, it is not only used as a mobility tool for people with disabilities and mobility difficulties, but also has other functions
High backrest reclining wheelchair: suitable for people with high paraplegia and elderly, weak, and multiple illnesses.
Electric wheelchair: for people with high paraplegia or hemiplegia but with one handed control ability.
Toilet wheel: for use by physically disabled and elderly people who cannot enter the toilet on their own. It is divided into small wheel toilet chairs, wheelchairs with toilets, and can be selected according to the occasion of use.
Sports wheelchair: designed for people with disabilities to use during sports activities, divided into two categories: ball games and racing. Special design, usually made of aluminum alloy or lightweight materials, sturdy and lightweight.
Assistive wheelchair: It is a dual-use wheelchair for standing and sitting Provide standing training for patients with paraplegia or cerebral palsy.. (China Wheelchair Network)
Selection of Wheelchairs
There are many types of wheelchairs, and the most common ones include general wheelchairs, special wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, special (sports) wheelchairs, and scooters.
General wheelchair
A typical wheelchair is roughly in the shape of a chair, with four wheels. The rear wheel is larger with an additional push wheel, and the brakes are also applied to the rear wheel. The front wheel is smaller and used for steering, and an anti roll wheel is added to the back of the wheelchair
Generally, wheelchairs are relatively lightweight and can be folded and stored
Suitable for individuals with general conditions or short-term mobility difficulties, not suitable for prolonged sitting
Specially designed wheelchair
Depending on the patient's condition, there are various accessories available, such as reinforced load-bearing capacity, special seat cushions or backrests, neck support systems, adjustable legs, detachable dining tables wait.
Electric wheelchair
It's a wheelchair with an electric motor added.
Depending on the manipulation method, there are various switches such as joysticks, heads, or blowing and suction systems that can be used for control
For those with severe paralysis or those who need to move a large distance, using an electric wheelchair is a good choice as long as their cognitive ability is good, but it requires a larger space for movement.
Special purpose (sports) wheelchair
Specially designed wheelchairs used for leisure sports or competitions.
Common ones include racing or basketball, and they are also commonly used for dancing.
Generally speaking, lightweight and durability are the characteristics, and many high-tech materials are used.
Commuting car
Belonging to the broad category of wheelchairs, many elderly people use them. They are roughly divided into three wheeled and four-wheel, driven by electric motors, with a speed limit of 15km/h, and graded according to load capacity.
Wheelchair maintenance
(1) Before using the wheelchair and within one month, all bolts should be checked for looseness. If they are loose, they should be tightened in a timely manner. During normal use, check every three months to ensure that all components are in good condition. Check the various sturdy nuts on the wheelchair (especially the fixing nuts on the rear wheel axle). If any looseness is found, adjust and tighten them in a timely manner.
(2) Wheelchairs should be wiped dry in a timely manner if they come into contact with rain during use. Wheelchairs that are used normally should also be regularly wiped with a soft, dry cloth and coated with rust proof wax to keep them shiny and beautiful for a long time.
(3) Regularly check the flexibility of the activity and rotating mechanism, and apply lubricant. If for some reason the shaft of a 24 inch wheel needs to be removed, ensure that the nut is tightened and not loose when reinstalling.
(4) The connecting bolts of the wheelchair seat frame are loose connections and must not be tightened.
For elderly people with lower body disabilities or limited mobility, wheelchairs are their second legs, so they should be taken seriously in their selection, use, and maintenance. However, many people nowadays do not usually inspect and maintain their wheelchairs after buying them at home. This is actually a wrong approach. Although manufacturers can guarantee the quality of wheelchairs, they cannot guarantee that they will be problem free after a period of use. Therefore, in order to ensure your safety and the best condition of the wheelchair, wheelchair suppliers recommend regular inspection and maintenance.
