Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility Project: Final Report

3.3.15.2 Side (lateral) reach - unobstructed

For WhMD users in our study that could perform a reach task, over 90% of each of the WhMD user groups could reach beyond the lateral most point of their WhMDs for heights between 800 mm (31.5 in.) and 1400 mm (55 in.) (Figure 3‒16) suggesting a marked improvement over a forward reach. Reach abilities began to drop at 600‒700 mm (23.5‒27.5 in.) and fell dramatically for all WhMD user groups at heights of 500‒600 mm (19.5‒23.5 in.). For heights of 500‒600 mm only 48% of manual wheelchair users, 32% of power wheelchair users and 22% of scooter users could complete a reach beyond the most lateral portion of their WhMD. In order to accommodate over 90% of the manual and powered chair users, and over 80% of the scooter users in our sample, a shift from 380‒1220 mm (15‒48 in.) to 700‒1400 mm (27.5‒55 in.) is needed. The improvement in side reaching performance with increased lower and upper limits as compared to the current standard is likely a function of larger (i.e. higher) WhMDs, and in some cases larger individuals who are now able to use WhMDs.

Figure 3-16. Side reach, unobstructed: research findings versus the standard.