1. How to choose the size of the wheelchair
The wheelchair is composed of large wheels, small wheels, hand rims, tires, brakes, seat seats and other large and small parts, because the wheelchair The functions required by users are different, so the sizes of wheelchairs are also different, and according to the different shapes of adults and children, they are also divided into children’s wheelchairs and adult wheelchairs. But basically, the total width of a general conventional wheelchair is 65cm, the total length is 104cm, and the height of the seat is 51cm.
It is also a very troublesome thing to choose a wheelchair, but for the convenience and safety of use, it is necessary to choose a suitable wheelchair. When purchasing a wheelchair, you should pay attention to the measurement of the seat width. The best The width is the distance between the two hips or between the two strands plus 5cm when the user sits down, that is, there is a gap of 2.5cm on each side after sitting down.
Second, the structure of the wheelchair
The ordinary wheelchair is generally composed of four parts: wheelchair frame, wheel, brake device and seat. The following is a brief description of each wheelchair. The function of the main components.
1. Large wheels carry the main weight. The diameter of the wheel is 51, 56, 61, 66cm. Pneumatic tires are often used, except for a few solid tires that are required by the use environment.
2. Small wheels There are 12, 15, 18, 20cm diameters, and the small wheels with large diameters are easy to cross small obstacles and special carpets. However, if the diameter is too large, the space occupied by the entire wheelchair becomes larger, making it inconvenient to move. The normal small wheel is before the big wheel, but in the wheelchair for paraplegics, the small wheel is often placed after the big wheel. It should be noted that the direction of the small wheel should be perpendicular to the big wheel, otherwise it is easy to fall.
3. The hand wheel rim is unique to the wheelchair, and the diameter is generally 5cm smaller than that of the large wheel rim. When the hemiplegia is driven with one hand, an additional one with a smaller diameter is available for selection. The hand rim is generally pushed directly by the patient.
4. Tires There are three types of solid, inflatable inner tube and tubeless inflatable. The solid type travels faster on flat ground, is not easy to burst, and is easy to push, but it vibrates greatly on uneven roads, and it is not easy to pull out when stuck in the groove of the same width as the tire; The vibration is smaller than the solid one; the tubeless inflatable type will not puncture because the tubeless, and the inside is also inflated, it is comfortable to sit up, but it is more difficult to push than the solid one.
5. Brakes The big wheels should have brakes on each wheel. Of course, when a hemiplegic person can only use one hand, they have to use one-hand brakes, but an extension rod can be installed. Operate the brakes on both sides. There are two types of brakes:
(1) Notch brakes. This brake is safe and reliable, but more laborious. After adjustment, it can also be braked on slopes. If it is adjusted to level 1 and cannot be braked on flat ground, it is invalid.
(2) Toggle brake. Using the principle of leverage to brake after passing through several joints, its mechanical advantage is stronger than that of the notch brake, but the failure is faster. In order to increase the braking force of the patient, an extension rod is often added to the brake, but this rod is easily damaged, and safety will be affected if it is not checked frequently.
6. Chair seat Its height, depth and width depend on the patient’s body type, and its material texture also depends on the type of disease. Generally, the depth is 41, 43cm, the width is 40, 46cm, and the height is 45, 50cm.
7. Seat Cushion In order to avoid pressure ulcers, seat cushion is an indispensable element, and great attention should be paid to the selection of cushion.
8. Feet and leg rests The leg rests can be straddled on both sides, or split on both sides, both of which can be swayed to one side and can be Demolition is the best. Attention must be paid to the height of the footrest. If the foot support is too high, the hip flexion angle is too large, and more weight is added to the ischial tuberosity, which is easy to cause pressure ulcers there.
9. Backrest The backrest has height and can be tilted or not. If the patient has good balance and control of the trunk, a wheelchair with a low backrest can be used to enable the patient to have a greater range of motion. Instead, use a high-back wheelchair.
10. Armrests or arm rests are generally 22.5-25cm higher than the seat surface, and some arm rests can be adjusted in height. You can also put a board on the arm support for reading and eating.
III. Types and selection of wheelchairs
There are many types of wheelchairs on the market, which can be divided into aluminum alloy, light material and steel according to the material. , For example, it can be divided into ordinary wheelchairs and special wheelchairs by type. Special wheelchairs can be divided into: leisure sports wheelchair series, electronic wheelchair series, seat side wheelchair series, standing wheelchair series, etc.
1. Ordinary wheelchair: It is mainly composed of wheelchair frame, wheel, brake and other devices.
Scope of application: lower limb disabilities, hemiplegia, paraplegia below the chest and the elderly with limited mobility.
Features: Patients can operate fixed armrests or detachable armrests, fixed footrests or detachable footrests, and can be folded for carrying or when not in use.
According to the model and price, it is divided into: hard seat, soft seat, pneumatic tire or solid tire.
2. Special wheelchair: It has relatively complete functions. It is not only a mobility tool for the disabled and people with reduced mobility, but also has other functions.
3. High-back reclining wheelchair: suitable for paraplegics and the elderly and infirm.
4. Electric wheelchairs: for people with high paraplegia or hemiplegia but with one-hand control ability.
5. Toilet wheel: for the disabled and the elderly who cannot use the toilet by themselves. There are small wheeled toilet chairs and wheelchairs with toilet bowls, which can be selected according to the occasion of use.
6. Sports wheelchair : for disabled people to use in sports activities, divided into two categories: ball and racing. The design is special, and the materials used are generally aluminum alloy or light materials, which are strong and lightweight.
7. Standing wheelchair: It is a standing and sitting wheelchair. Standing training for paraplegic or cerebral palsy patients.
