Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization

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desIgn and productIon I 57 Fig. 2.5. Common pressure sensitive areas (side view) Fig. 2.6. Common pressure sensitive areas (back view) The recommendations set out in Box 2.4 can be used as a guide in the design and selection of basic wheelchairs. They do not cover wheelchairs that provide a higher level of adjustability or custom adaptations for users who require more complex postural support. Box 2.4. General seating and postural support guidelines n A wheelchair and cushion should meet the seating and postural support requirements of the user(s). This includes the size of the wheelchair, the type of cushion, and the adjustability and ergonomic factors of the wheelchair. n All wheelchairs should be provided with a cushion that is appropriate to manage the user’s risk of developing pressure sores. n A wheelchair should be evaluated based on the seating and postural support measures, and the results should be available to the users and purchasers. n Cushions should be evaluated and rated based on their ability to provide comfort, pressure relief and postural support, and the results should be available to the users and purchasers. 2
58 I guIdelInes on the provIsIon of manual wheelchaIrs In less resourced settIngs 2.5.1 Seat bases The two most common types of seat base are sling seats (Fig. 2.7.) and solid seats (Fig. 2.8.). Sling seats (also known as slung seats) are made of a flexible material such as canvas or vinyl. Solid seats are not flexible and are often made of wood, metal plate or plastic. The list set out in Box 2.5 provides recommendations for each seat type. Box 2.5. Guidelines for seat bases n Wheelchair seats should have a continuous surface with no breaks that might cut or pinch the user’s skin. n The angle of the seat, in relation to the horizontal, should be between 0 and 12 degrees (with the front portion of the seat higher than the rear portion of the seat). n The seat must be level from side to side. n A range of seat sizes should be available to fit a range of body sizes. n Sling seats should be designed with materials that do not stretch over time from the weight of the user. n Sling seats and solid seats should be used with cushions designed or modified for use on a sling seat and solid seat, respectively (Fig. 2.9.). Fig. 2.7. Sling or slung seat Fig. 2.8. Solid seat Fig. 2.9. Seat with detachable cushion Failure of the wheelchair seat and the cushion is a common problem. Sling seats made of poor quality or inappropriate materials can quickly stretch, sag and tear. Wheelchair cushions are not designed to work on such seats made of poor quality or inappropriate materials. This means that the user ends up sitting on an unstable seat without pressure relief. The result can be that the user will develop pressure sores or stop using the wheelchair owing to discomfort. Some design solutions include: • tension-adjustable sling seats made with straps and stretch-resistant fabric; and • pressure-relief cushions for wheelchairs with sling seats provided with a contoured bottom surface to accommodate the curve of the sling. Many cushions can easily be modified for use on a sling seat by cutting off the lower, outer edge from front to back on each side to accommodate the seat rail and the curve of the sling.
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Other resources Cooper RA. Wheelcha
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Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization

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