Module 4 - Body Measurements

Linear body measurements

MWC

PWC

Purpose
To assist in determining:

A

Hip width:

**

**

cushion width, seat width or width between side hip supports

B

GT width:

-

-

cushion size for "GT-loading" type of cushion such as Jay 2 and Jay deep

C

External knee width/Width across knees

*

*

seat width and footplate hanger style

D

Chest width:

**

*

- distance between thoracic lateral support if required
- width between tall back cane/back support to ensure free upper limb movement for MWC propulsion

E

Shoulder width

*

*

minimum distance between arm supports if upper limb positioning and arm supports are required

I

Foot width:
(also consider shoe width  for tapered frame)

*

-

minimum width for tapered frame/single foot support size (X2 for left and right)

Thigh depth:
(rearrest point/scarum to popliteal fossa)

**

**

seat depth by deducting:
- 25mm if  thigh to lower leg angle is >90 degrees
- 50mm if thigh to lower leg angle is <90 degrees
(prevent seat base digging into calf muscles)

G

Lower leg length:
(Popliteal fossa to  heel)

**

**

foot support to seat base length by:
- deducting front cushion height
- add shoe heel height

H

Foot depth:
(heel to toe & with shoe)

*

*

- foot support (footplate) style/size/accessories required considering the castor spins and footplate location

I

Foot width:
(also consider shoe width  for tapered frame)

*

-

minimum width for tapered frame/single foot support size (X2 for left and right)

J

Scapula height:
(Seat surface to inferior angle of scapula)
For hands-free/hands-dependent sitter only

*

-

maximum back cane/back support height from seat surface for free scapulae movement in MWC propulsion

K

Axilla height:
(Seat surface to axilla)

*

*

thoracic lateral support height from seat surface. Maximum height allowed should be 25mm less of this measurement to prevent impingement of axillary nerve.

L

Elbow height:
(Seat surface to hanging elbow)

*

**

arm support height or lap tray from seat surface

M

Forearm Depth:

*

**

armrest pad size and approximate joystick mounting position.

N

Shoulder height:
(Seat surface to shoulder)

-

*

- approximate backrest height from seat surface for those who use tilt in space for pressure management.
-  minimum backrest height from seat surface for chest harness to  provide effective line of pull.

O

Occipital height:
(Seat surface to occipital ridge)

-

*

Head & neck support height from seat surface, particularly important for those with weak or no head control

P

Maximum sitting height:
(Seat surface to top of head)

*

*

if the wheeled mobility system can access transport/ vehicles. Overall head to floor height = P + cushion height at ITs + seat base to floor height

Q

Trunk depth:
(for backrest style & thoracic laterals)

-

-

depth of thoracic lateral support required to provide optimum support. It should be 2/3 of trunk depth for hands-dependant sitters.