Measuring Patients for a Broda Chair

Published: 19 August 2008

Measuring for proper fit of a chair is important for patient safety and comfort. See the Anatomical Chart for assistance with measuring a patient. The patient should be measured in a seated position as per the Anatomical Chart.

The measurements of the patient’s seat depth, seat height and back length added together should be within about 1” of the patient’s overall height. (with the exception of bariatric patients, as they may have increased seat depth in a seated position)

Seat Width

Objectives: 

Measurement:

Measure across the widest part of the hips or thighs and add 2” to this measurement. This allows and extra 1” clearance on either side.

Example: If a person is 18” across the widest part of hips or thighs, then a standard 20” Broda chair is a perfect fit. Keep in mind that the “play” in the side cushions give you some latitude in the width of Broda chairs. The upper side pads actually decrease the seat width by 0.5” on each side.

Measurement Required: Across hips or thighs, whichever is wider

If Seat Width is too Narrow 
If Seat Width is too Wide
Effect: Transfer Difficulties Effect: Sitting Instability
            Weight distribution             Poor torso alignment
            Pressure areas             Pelvic rotation

 

Confirming the Fit

With the individual in the chair, place one hand on either side of the person, slipping the palms between the person’s hips and side panels. The hands should contact both the hips and side cushions without feeling undue pressure

Seat Depth

Objectives:     

Measurement

Measure from the back of the buttocks along the thigh to the back of the knee. Subtract 2” to 3” from this measurement to obtain the correct seat depth

Example: If the measurement is 19”, the standard Broda seat depth of 17” (on most models) is a perfect fit. Keep in mind that you have several inches of “play” in getting the right fit.

Measurement Required: From behind calf to back of buttocks

If Seat Depth is Too Short

In sufficient weight is distributed along the buttocks and thighs concentrating the individual’s weight and pressure over the ischial areas

If Seat Depth is Too Long

A seat depth that is too long may restrict circulation and cause skin irriation by pressing against the areas behind the knee or calf.

Confirming the Fit

Between 2 to 4 fingers should fit between the front edge of the chair and the back of the knee.

Armrest Height

Objective: To assist the individual in maintaining correct posture and balance. It also provides the person with comfortable support for the arms and shoulders.

Measurement

The person should be seated in a comfortable position with the elbow at a right angle. Measure from the seat to just under the elbow and 1” for the correct arm height.

Armrest Too High

An armrest set too hight will push the shoulders up causing stress on the back, shoulders and neck. This will usually make it impossible for the person to use the armrests for any length of time which may cause instability in the sitting position and/or frustration for the user.

Armrest Too Low

The person may stoop in an attempt to keep his forearm on the armrest. This slumped posture may also cause undue fatigue, poor balance, or may even affect respiration. The diaphragm may not be able to contract properly to allow for efficient breathing.

If the person is doesn’t stoop, the draw of gravity may cause the shoulders to fall forward into a position commonly referred to as shoulder droop.

Confirming the Fit

Check for the triangle of support. Also check the individual’s sitting posture.

Seat Height

*for Mobility Chairs (Pedal Chair or 587 Wheelchair)

Objective:

Measurement:

For chairs in which the patient can foot propel, the seat height should be adjusted to match the length of the lower leg. With the knee bent at a 90° angle, measure from the back of the knee to the bottom of the heel. The patient should have a proper foot on floor position for foot propulsion.

When measuring for seat height, the following should be taken into account:

  1. Is the chair user or will the chair user be wearing shoes?
  2. How much seat tilt is going to be used? (In the deepest tilt position for the 587 Wheelchair, there will be minimal amount of lifting under the knee)
  3. If a solid seat pan is used with a pressure relief cushion on the 587 Wheelchair, the thickness of the seat cushion must be considered when determining the seat height

The seat height on the Pedal chair is adjustable from 12.5” to 17.5” in one inch increments. The seat height on the 587 is adjustable from 14” to 20” in one inch increments.

Broda Elite, Basic and Midline chairs are for non ambulatory patients who do not require a foot on floor position. They have a length adjustable legrest (with footrest) to accommodate various leg lengths. The legrest length can be adjusted to 16’, 18”, 20” and 22”.

Additional Items to Consider

Measuring bariatric patients for a Broda chair may involve additional steps to measuring for a standard chair as there are some things to consider:

Seat Depth

Broda chairs have a standard seat width of 18” or 20” and a standard seat depth of 17”. Often when a wider seat width is required (22” – 28”) for a bariatric patient, the seat depth needs to be increased as well. This is to accommodate the patient’s gluteal shelf which may cause them to sit further toward the front of the chair.

Trays

For bariatric patients that require a tray, it is important to determine that the tray will properly fit in front of the patient with adequate space. While the patient is seated, measure from their back, across to the front of their torso. Be sure to measure to the deepest point to ensure proper fit of the tray.

Additional areas of measurement are outlined on the Anatomical Chart for standard or bariatric chairs. The additional measurements may only be required in particular cases.