Wheelchair University1

Anatomy of a Manual Wheelchair

D. Michael McKeough, PT, EdDAssociate Professor

Division of Physical Therapy

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Abstract

• This presentation illustrates thecomponents of a manual wheelchair.

• Note pages contain a brief descriptionof the function of each component.

This presentation illustrates the components of a manualwheelchair.

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Presenter/s Bio-sketch

• Dr. McKeough is an Associate Professorof Physical Therapy at ShenandoahUniversity in Virginia.

• He received his doctorate in the controlof human movement from ColumbiaUniversity and teaches physical therapyintervention with individuals who havesuffered spinal cord injury.

Dr. McKeough is an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy atShenandoah University in Virginia.

He received his doctorate in the control of human movement fromColumbia University and teaches physical therapy intervention withindividuals who have suffered spinal cord injury.

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Learning Objectives

• To be able to identify the primarycomponents of a manualwheelchair and describe theirfunction.

At the conclusion of this presentation the learner will be able toidentify the primary components of a manual wheelchair.

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Performance Objectives

Given an appropriate wheelchair orillustration:

•be able to identify the primarycomponents of a manualwheelchair and describe thefunctions of each.

At the conclusion of this presentation the learner will be able toidentify the primary components of a manual wheelchair.

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Manual Wheelchair Components Labeled

1. Push handle bracket tube2. Backrest3. Swing-away, padded armrest4. Pneumatic tire5. Aluminum handrim6. Aluminum wheel rim7. Spokes8. Rear wheel hub9. Release axel

10. Axel plate11. Frame12. High wheel lock13. Swing-away release14. Caster housing cover15. Caster plate16. Caster housing17. Seat cushion18. Seat sling

19. X-Hinge20. Swing-away foot rest21. Crossbrace22. Caster fork23. Caster wheel24. Caster tire25. Flip-up foot rest26. Heel loop

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Click on name to magnify

This slide shows a manual wheelchair with the primary componentsidentified by number. Each of these components will be described inthe following slides.

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Push handles are extensions to the top of the backrest frame thatproject backwards from the wheelchair and permit an aid to helppropel the chair from behind.

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The back rest is the suspension between the upright components ofthe seat frame against which the operator rests his/her back.

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Swing-away arm rests are the frame components on which theoperator rests his/her arms. Swing-away arm rests may be rotatedout of the way during transfers without having to remove them fromthe chair.

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Wheelchair tires provide the contact between the wheelchair and theground. They can be grouped into 3 general classes: pneumatic,semi-pneumatic, and solid rubber. Pneumatic are filled with air andprovide a cushioned ride but are susceptible to flats. Semi-pneumatic are filled with gel instead of air to maintain cushioningbut eliminate the possibility of flats. Solid rubber are the mostdurable and maintenance free but provide the roughest ride.

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The hand or push rim is attached to the outside of the wheel andprovides the surface against which the operator pushes with his/herhand to propel the chair. The hand rim is made of strong, light-weight material like aluminum.

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The wheel rim is the surface on which the tire is mounted. It ismade of strong, light-weight material like aluminum. The wheel rimis connected to the axel by the spokes.

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The spokes are the suspension system by which the tire and rim areconnected to the axel. Spokes are made of strong, light-weightmaterial, either wire of plastic. Spokes are also responsible forkeeping the wheel in round.

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The hub is the center component of the wheel to which the spokesconnect. The hub also houses the axel.

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The quick release axel permits the wheel to quickly and easilydisconnected from the frame.

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The axel plate connects the wheel to the frame via the axel.Because the axel plate is adjustable it permits the wheel base to belengthened to increase wheelchair stability or shortened to increasemobility.

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The wheelchair frame is the rigid, tubular structure that supportsthe seat and the wheels.

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The brakes are the components that permit the wheels to be lockedin place preventing unwanted motion. There are many types ofbrakes and they can be positioned in many locations on thewheelchair. All brakes extend from the frame to the wheels and usesome form of mechanical locking (lever) system.

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The swing-away release level permits the foot rests to be rotated

out of the way during transfers without having to remove them fromthe chair. The release level is always located within easy handaccess of the seat.

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The caster housing cover is a removable cap that permits the ballbearings inside the caster housing to be lubricated.

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The caster plate is a rigid surface by which the tubular casterhousing is connected to the tubular frame.

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The caster housing is a tubular extension of the wheelchair frame. Itis filled with ball bearings and receives the caster fork projection.Together they form a pivot joint about which the caster can rotate360 degrees. This arrangement increases the maneuverability ofthe chair.

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The seat cushion is made of compliant material that permits thedispersion and absorption of force (pressure) between the operator’sbody and the sitting surface. Seat cushions come in many varietiesacross a wide range of prices.

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The seat sling is the suspension between the frame components onwhich the seat cushion rests. In folding frames the seat sling isflexible permitting the frame to fold. In rigid frames the seat sling isrigid providing a more stabile base of support.

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The X-hinge extends from the frame to the cross supports (X-member) of a folding frame and permits the wheelchair to be foldedinto a more compact size.

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Swing-away foot rests provide a platform on which the foot may besupported. The hinged connection with the frame allows the footrest to be rotated out of the way (swung-away) for transfers.

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Cross braces (X-members) provide strut support between the twoside frames. Because the cross braces connect to the frame byhinges, the chair may be fold and become more compact.

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The caster fork connects the caster wheel to the frame via thecaster housing.

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The caster wheel provides the base on which the caster tire ismounted and connects to the frame via the caster fork. Castersvary in size from 4 to 8 inches and increase the maneuverability ofthe wheelchair. The smaller the caster the greater the mobility.The larger the caster the greater the stability.

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The caster tire provides the contact between the caster and theground. Tire materials vary from solid plastic to pneumatic. Thefirmer the material the greater the maneuverability, the softer thematerial the more cushioned the ride.

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The flip-up foot rest provides the support surface on which theoperator’s foot rests. This type of foot rest may be flipped-up out ofthe way during transfers.

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The heel loop is usually made of nylon and attaches to the backsurface of the foot rest. It provides support to the heel and helps tokeep the foot positioned on the center of the foot rest.

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Review Questions

• Identify the location of the seat back.• Identify the location of the wheelchair

frame.• Identify the location of the swing-away

foot rest.• Distinguish between the seat cushion

and seat sling.

Review Questions

•Identify the location of the seat back.

•Identify the location of the wheelchair frame.

•Identify the location of the swing-away foot rest.

•Distinguish between the seat cushion and seat sling.

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Recommended Reading

• The anatomy of a poweredwheelchair.

Recommended Reading

• The anatomy of a power wheelchair