DGR Wheelchair Measuring Tool

 

Welcome to DGR Medical measuring assistant. We specialize in providing CUSTOM Wheelchairs. For people who need wheelchairs they become very much an extension of their body so, these are very personal devices, and often they require some adaptation to make them even more individualized. A proper fitting Wheelchair provides comfort, proper positioning and better mobility.

When ordering your wheelchair you will need to supply certain dimensions; being prepared will help the ordering process run smoothly and help ensure that you get exactly what you require. Please follow the directions bellow and enter the information on the spaces provided so we can help you to locate/order a chair that fits your needs. 

Note: Use the form bellow to record your measurements.

Each letter in the diagrams represents the corresponding measurement Letters A, B, C, D, E.

Please provide measurements for both the patient and existing chair. The existing chair may not necessarily be what the patient needs.

Weight ______Height ______Diagnosis _____________

Special Condition that must be considered: _______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

A.Seat Width:

Measure the widest point of the body, an easy way to do this is to place a book on each side of the hips while seated then measure the distance between the books. You should allow an additional inch for movement, bulky clothing or winter clothes.

Hip Width ______Existing Chair ______

 

B.Seat Depth:

Measure from the back of the buttocks to the inside of the knee, minus at least two inches for a more relaxed position. Some prefer more leg overhang to make room for their hand when lifting their leg.

Sacrum to Popliteal Fossa ______Depth Existing Chair ______

 

C.Seat Height:

Sitting in a chair, measure from the chair seat to the top of the shoulders. If you prefer a high back seat or a seat with headrest, also measure from the chair seat to the top of the head.

Also measure from the seat to the inferior angle of the scapula (inferior part of shoulder blade)

1. Seat to Shoulder ______

2. Seat to Shoulder Blade ______

3. Seat to top of Head ______

Existing Chair:     1 ______2 ______3 ______

 

D.Seat to Floor Height:

Measure the leg from the back of the knee to the heel of the foot. Next, add a minimum of two inches for footrest clearance. Do not add the footrest clearance if the wheelchair will be foot-propelled. This measurement is used to determine where your feet will rest comfortably, without strain on your legs or back. This is the seat height in relation to the footplate or footrests.

Knee to Heel ______Floor to Seat ______Seat to Footrest ______

E.Armrest Height:  Ask the person to bend one arm at the elbow, keeping the forearm parallel to the floor, and take the measurement from the side of the buttocks to the bottom of the bent elbow.  (If there is a visible difference in shoulder height, measure both left and right sides). (If a seat cushion will be used add 1/2 the thickness of the cushion).

Seat to Elbow ______Seat to Armrest ______

Wheelchair Terminology

Armrests:  Where arms can rest during time spent on power chair.

Footplate:  Where feet rest during time spent on the power chair.

Anti-tip Wheels:  Wheels that allow slight tipping, or prevent tipping while driving.

Caster Wheel:  The front wheels.

If you are having difficulty measuring yourself, ask your physician or therapist to assist.