Comprehensive Guide to Measuring and Customizing a Sport Wheelchair

Customizing a sport wheelchair to fit your body and playing style is crucial for maximizing performance, comfort, and safety. A well-fitted chair can significantly improve your speed, maneuverability, and control during competitive play. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure and customize your sport wheelchair to ensure an optimal fit.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, gather these essential tools:

• A measuring tape (preferably in inches)
• A sturdy chair to sit on
• A helper to assist with measurements
• Pen and paper or a digital device to record measurements

Step 2: Seat Width

Purpose: Proper seat width prevents side-to-side movement, ensuring comfort and stability.

1. Measure the widest part of your hips or thighs while seated in a natural position.
2. Add 1-2 inches to the measurement to allow for slight movement and clothing. This ensures a snug yet comfortable fit.

Step 3: Seat Depth

Purpose: The correct seat depth supports your thighs without restricting circulation or mobility.

1. Measure from the back of your pelvis to the back of your knee (popliteal area) while sitting upright.
2. Subtract 1-2 inches to prevent pressure under your knees, allowing for free movement.

Step 4: Seat-to-Floor Height

Purpose: This determines how high the seat is from the ground, affecting stability and mobility.

• Front Height: Measure from the heel of your foot to the underside of your thigh at the back of the knee. This is essential if you need to reach the ground with your feet.
• Rear Height: If you prefer a tilted seating position, the rear height is often lower than the front. This measurement affects the wheelchair’s balance and how quickly you can pivot.

Step 5: Backrest Height and Angle

Purpose: The backrest provides support and allows for the required range of motion.

• Backrest Height: Measure from the seat surface to the desired height on your back. Lower backrests offer more flexibility and freedom of movement, while higher backrests provide greater support.
• Backrest Angle: Adjust to your comfort level; a more upright angle is good for mobility and control, while a slight recline offers additional support.

Step 6: Center of Gravity (COG)

Purpose: Adjusting the COG affects your chair’s stability and responsiveness.

• Forward COG: Provides more stability but reduces agility.
• Rearward COG: Increases maneuverability but can make the chair feel less stable. This setup is ideal for advanced players seeking quick turns and agile movements.

Step 7: Camber Angle

Purpose: Camber is the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical axis and impacts turning and stability.

1. Determine your sport’s requirements: Higher camber (15-20 degrees) provides better lateral stability and easier turning, while lower camber (0-5 degrees) improves straight-line speed.
2. Consider that most basketball and tennis players prefer a higher camber for optimal turning ability.

Step 8: Footplate/Footrest Position

Purpose: Proper footplate positioning maintains a stable and balanced posture.

1. Measure the length from the back of your knee to your heel to determine the appropriate footplate height.
2. Ensure the footplate is adjustable in both height and angle for maximum comfort and efficiency while pushing the wheelchair.

Step 9: Axle Position

Purpose: The axle position influences your wheelchair’s balance and turning speed.

• Forward Axle Position: Enhances agility and quick turning but may reduce overall stability.
• Rearward Axle Position: Offers greater stability and is recommended for new users or those who need more control over their movements.

Step 10: Handrim Selection

Purpose: Handrims play a critical role in propulsion and control.

• Anodized aluminum handrims are common for their durability and grip.
• Choose handrims that match your grip strength and the type of sport you play. For example, rubber-coated handrims provide more friction and are ideal for pushing on indoor courts.

Step 11: Anti-Tip Bars

Purpose: Anti-tip bars prevent your chair from tipping backward during intense movements.

• Adjustable anti-tip bars ensure safety without compromising mobility. Position them close to the ground but not touching it to allow maximum movement.

Step 12: Frame Material and Color

Purpose: Customizing the frame enhances both performance and style.

• 7000 series aluminum or titanium are popular choices for their strength-to-weight ratio.
• Choose from a range of colors to personalize your wheelchair. Some models offer custom paint jobs to create a truly unique look.

Additional Tips for Customization

• Quick-Release Axles: Opt for quick-release axles if you need to frequently transport your wheelchair. This feature allows easy removal of the wheels.
• Spinergy Wheels: For competitive athletes, upgrading to Spinergy wheels provides exceptional strength, responsiveness, and control.
• Cushioning and Padding: Ensure the seat cushion is the right density for your comfort and does not restrict blood flow during long games.

Measuring Guide Summary

Final Thoughts

Getting the right measurements and customization for your sport wheelchair is essential for optimizing your performance on the court. Consulting with a mobility specialist is always a good idea to ensure the setup matches your specific needs. For personalized assistance, contact Hieline Mobility at 1-855-HIELINE, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process.

By taking the time to customize your wheelchair precisely, you’ll be setting yourself up for maximum efficiency, comfort, and confidence during every game.