Wheelchair Scripted Seating

Wheelchair scripted seating is a tailored seating solution to meet the specific needs of the individual, taking into consideration their condition, posture, activities and measurements.

Everyone has their own distinct needs and requirements, tailored seating solutions are designed to enhance comfort, promote correct posture, and enhance the individual’s ability to perform daily activities. Our thorough clinical approach ensures a detailed assessment of an individual’s physical presentation, pressure care, postural and functional requirements.  This ensures that the final seating solution is comfortable and provides the correct support that is essential to overall well-being and functional independence.

To ensure a correctly tailored wheelchair scripted seating solution, four key measurement points are critical and must be measured with precision and then applied with consideration to a body’s joint’s flexion and extension ranges. Seat depth is measured to ensure the seating surface adequately supports the buttocks and thighs. Shoulder height enables us to choose the correct height in a backrest. Hip width is measured to determine the correct width of the seat and any necessary lateral supports for stability and comfort – it is the main measurement dictating the size of the equipment. Lower leg length is essential for positioning the feet correctly and impacts overall posture.

Seat Depth

This is the most critical measurement and is the most common error in wheelchair seating. When a seat is too deep/long, it will press against the back of the knees and potentially restrict blood flow, causing discomfort and in some cases pressure injury. It will also cause posterior tilt of the pelvis and prevent a person’s back making correct contact with the backrest. Alternatively, if the seat depth is too shallow, there won’t be adequate thigh support, leading to increased pressure on the buttocks and poor weight distribution. Correct seat depth promotes a comfortable and healthy sitting posture with proper thigh support and helps avoid many issues.

Shoulder Height

This measurement determines the ideal vertical backrest position. When shoulder height and backrest are aligned correctly, it provides crucial support to the thoracic spine and scapulae (shoulder blades). Maintaining proper spinal alignment that will reduce the strain on the upper back and shoulder muscles, contributing to a more upright and comfortable posture. Another important consideration is to ensure the backrest height doesn’t impede arm movement when a person is propelling a manual wheelchair – a lower backrest height is normally chosen for manual wheelchair use.

Hip Width

Dictating the internal dimensions of the seat, this directly impacts the individual’s comfort and pressure distribution. When a seat is too narrow, it can cause discomfort and may potentially restrict circulation around the hips and thighs. When a seat is too wide, it may prevent the individual from being properly positioned and allow them to sit mis-aligned in the seat. Accurate hip width measurement allows the users to have a seat that comfortably cradles the pelvis and distributes weight evenly. Hip width measurement also provides information on the placement and design of any necessary lateral thigh supports, which provide additional guidance to ensure a client is fitted correctly to a chair and their lateral positioning on the cushion is maintained through the day – especially important for individuals with little or no movement.

Lower Leg Length

This measurement of the lower leg from the back of the knee to the heel is vital for the correct placement and positioning of footrest. When positioned correctly, footrests ensure the individuals feet are supported at the appropriate height, this in turn promotes optimal knee flexion. A correct knee angle is helpful in maintaining a neutral pelvic angle, and balanced spinal alignment. This will contribute significantly to the individual’s overall posture and help reduce strain on the hips and lower back and reduce the risk of pressure injuries to the ischial tuberosities (sitting bones).

A comprehensive consultation process must incorporate accurate measurements for the development of a tailored seating solution to effectively address the individual’s requirements and needs. Because – getting it right matters!