Wheelchair Measurements

Wheelchair measurements will vary as there are many types, not to mention different manufacturers. However, the following information can provide you with some basic ideas on how to measure them.

How to Calculate the Overall Width

Some wheelchairs state the seat width but not the entire width of the unit. However, it is fairly easy to determine the wheelchair’s total width. For transport wheelchairs, add 3 inches to the seat width.

For the reclining wheelchair, add eight inches to the seat width. You should also add eight inches to the seat width for the standard folding wheelchair. For bariatric wheelchairs, you also need to add eight inches to the seat width. Using this example, a standard wheelchair with an 18 inch wide seat will be 26 inches wide.

What are the Vital Wheelchair Measurements?

In most cases the seat width and depth are the most important. This is true for the transport, lightweight and standard wheelchairs. If the individual wants to drive the wheelchair by their feet, the seat to floor height must be taken too.

Some wheelchairs will need special configurations that necessitate taking more measurements. The information will be provided by the manufacturer at their website.

Tip: to make seat width measuring easy, place a book at both hip sides when seated. Measure the distance between the two books and add an inch to the total.

Buying a Wheelchair

Aside from the wheelchair measurements, your purchase should be based on the requirements of the patient and the caregiver. A lightweight wheelchair is ideal if the patient has to be pushed regularly.

Standard wheelchairs are for patients who prefer to push themselves. Make sure the standard wheelchair has bigger rear wheels. Other types like ultra-light and reclining are also available. Of course you should get the patient’s measurements first before you decide to buy one.

How to Get the Measurements

To get the seat depth, measure from the buttock’s back up to the knee’s insides. To get the back height, measure from the top of the shoulders down to the backside’s bottom. This should be done when the patient is sitting on an even surface.

The seat to floor height is usually adjustable by a couple of inches using a dual axle wheelchair. These wheelchairs have holes at the front forks. This allows for the adjustment. The typical seat to floor height is 18 to 20 inches.

Wheelchair Weight

The difference between a lightweight and regular wheelchair is about 15 lbs. The weight will be important especially if it will be carried. Some wheelchairs can weigh 50 lbs or more. These are going to be very difficult to carry. The lightweight wheelchairs usually weigh 28 to 36 lbs.

The condition of the patient may also determine what type of wheelchair to get. If the patient has restricted mobility, the lightweight types are more ideal. There are also seat belts for patients who are active.

Aside from taking wheelchair measurements, you must also take note of the access points in the house. Make sure the wheelchair can pass through the doorways, bathrooms, passages etc.

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Pumping iron has become a fad in recent years as the younger generation has begun to appreciate the benefits of keeping fit. Encouraged by pictures of fabulous men and women with gleaming biceps and six-pack abs, scores of young people in different countries and cultures began flocking into gyms for their after-office work-outs. However, no image of a male or female body builder is more eye-catching than that of Aditha “Romeo” Dev, a muscleman who not only became famous in his hometown of Phagwara in India, but has also become an Internet sensation as well. The claim to fame of Romeo is his reigning record as the world’s smallest body builder.

Standing at a diminutive 84 cm or 2.9 feet tall and weighing at 9 kg or 20 pounds, Romeo has a medical condition known as dwarfism, which is characterized by short stature. Contrary to the belief of many, dwarfism is not a disease and most of those who have the condition live long and fulfilling lives. And, Romeo is one remarkable person who has proven that his short stature is no barrier to becoming a body builder — just like any person of normal height who strives to improve his physique. Unlike many people with the same condition, Romeo is well proportioned having a chest measurement of 51 cm or 20 inches and a head dimension of 38 cm or 15 inches. He puts in long hours every day at the gym with his trainer, Ranjeet Pal while crowds ogle at the world’s smallest body builder pressing 1.5 kg custom-made dumbbells – which is a mean feat considering his size.

Pal, who is himself a well-known body builder, spends hours helping his pint-sized trainee build his muscles. While he puts Romeo under the same training regimen as every one else in the gym, Pal sees more fire and determination in Romeo. Initially, he required Romeo to do a month of basic workout such as push up, aerobics and basic gymnastics to prepare and tone his body. Then, Pal fashioned lightweight dumbbells and taught the world’s smallest body builder basic weight lifting methods that would shape his triceps and biceps. Aside from bodybuilding, Romeo’s passion is dancing and earns good money appearing in local TV shows showing his dancing skills. Just like any person, the 19 year-old smallest body builder dreams of being able to travel and see the world through the eyes of an accomplished dancer and entertainer.