Recommendations on Standards for the Design of Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Adults with Disabilities, Advisory Committee Final Report

Conclusions

The proposed guidelines for medical diagnostic equipment currently recommend a minimum transfer surface
30 in. (760mm) wide and 15 in. (381mm) deep. Our findings support those dimensions but also suggest that
the width could be reduced to 28 in. Our analysis based on static anthropometry measurements. It focuses solely on the adequacy of these transfer surface dimensions for a static seating surface. No studies or measurement of transfers were recorded nor did we collect information on the space needs of other tasks on exam tables like repositioning the body for exams.

Based on an anthropometric analysis of four relevant dimensions, we have the following observations and recommendations:

1. The proposed minimum transfer surface width of 30 in. provides sufficient space as a static seating surface for almost all individuals in our sample of wheeled mobility users based on static measurements of hip and thigh breadth. This width could be reduced to 28 in. and still accommodate 95% of our sample.

2. A width of 30 in. would also accommodate the shoulder breadth of most individuals should this be required, e.g., when the table is in a reclined position. Reducing this width to 28 in. would still accommodate 95% of our sample.

3. Increasing the minimum width is recommended if accommodating individuals that are morbidly obese and/or use bariatric wheelchairs is also a priority. The maximum values recorded for thigh breadth and shoulder breadth serves as a reference value should accommodations for these users be necessary.

4. A depth of 15in. for a seating surface was found to be suitable based on median values of buttock-popliteal length and wheelchair seat depths.

5. These results reflect static anthropometry measurements and should be considered as a starting point for accessible design of a seating surface. User testing is recommended for arriving at more accurate transfer surface dimensions and design features to insure usability for a broad diversity of users and the full range of tasks that might take place on an exam table.