In my last post of my active user wheelchair series, we looked at the different types of backrests that are available on an active chair to give each individual the seating support that they need. If you haven’t already, you might want to have a read of my Active user wheelchair backrest options post (this will open in a new window). In today’s post, we’re going to take backrests a step further. I was going to consider backrest height and the different setting options together, but height turned out to be more in-depth than I anticipated! So, let’s take a look at the different active user wheelchair backrest height options – a very important consideration when putting together your active user wheelchair prescription and considering which active chair is right for you.
The general rule of thumb is that it’s best to go for the lowest backrest you can, while giving you the support that you need. This is going to be different for each individual. Let’s take a look at what this means in a practical sense.
So, the thinking behind having the lowest backrest possible is twofold. Firstly, the lower your backrest, the greater range of movement you have. This allows you to be more active, which is one of the main purposes of an active user wheelchair. Secondly, you don’t want your backrest to be too high as this risks the potential for deconditioning to occur (depending on how much time you spend using your wheelchair).
What this doesn’t mean is that you should compromise the support you need by choosing a backrest that is too low for you. Doing this will leave you uncomfortable and potentially put you at risk of injury. It could also affect how much you use your wheelchair and have a significant impact on your quality of life.
With my hEDS, I find that if a backrest is too low, my back doesn’t get the support it needs. This results in pain and fatigue. However, if a backrest is too high, I find that it limits the movement in my back and forces other areas of my body to bend more to compensate (usually my hips). This also results in pain and fatigue.
I feel that it’s important to have an idea of what height will work best for you and your wheelchair use, before speaking with a wheelchair therapist or company representative. After all, you’re the one who is going to be sitting in the wheelchair – if it’s not the right height, the only person it will affect is you.
Something I’ve learned recently is that different brands and models of active user wheelchairs have different backrest height options. It’s not as simple as working out what backrest height you need and then ordering. So it’s worth being aware of what height options are available on the active user wheelchairs you’re considering.
For example, the Kuschall K Series backrest heights start at 270mm and go up to 480mm in 15mm steps. The Quickie Argon2 heights start at 250mm and go up to 450mm, but in 25mm increments. I need a backrest height of 285mm. This height is possible on the K-Series, but not on the Argon2. The Argon2 offers 275mm or 290mm, which would mean I’d have to either go 10mm (1cm) lower than I need, or 5mm higher. For some people, 5-10mm difference would be negligible. But for me, they’re significant.
It can be helpful to recreate, as much as possible, different backrest heights. This allows you to feel whether you’re getting enough support and evaluate whether you need more or less support. I used bag straps around the frame of my wheelchair to test out different backrest heights. While I wouldn’t recommend taking your current (assuming you have one) wheelchair backrest apart, being able to replicate your sitting position and testing out different back heights can be helpful.
Just be mindful that the height of a backrest isn’t the only factor in providing support. Some people will find they benefit from the lateral (sideways) support that a hard shell backrest gives. If in doubt, ask your wheelchair therapist or mobility representative to try different types of backrests before you settle on a backrest height. More can be found about the types of backrests in my active user wheelchair backrest options post.
When considering what height of active user wheelchair backrest will be best for you, it’s worth bearing in mind that, depending on the brands you’re looking at, some push handle options are only available within certain height ranges. This may have an impact on what you decide is best for you.
In addition to the different backrest options, there are also different settings to choose from, which I’ll discuss in a later post.
Please remember to factor the height of your wheelchair cushion into your measurements when deciding on the height of your backrest. A cushion will raise you up and the amount it does this will affect where your backrest stops on your body. For example, with a thin cushion, your backrest will finish higher up on your back than if you used a thick cushion.
What are your preferences when it comes to active user wheelchair backrest height options?
Are the height options a make-or-break factor for you, like they are for me?
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