Standards and Anthropometry for Wheeled Mobility

BS8300:2001 Research

Annex D and E to the BS8300:2001 Standard includes informative charts and tables from the results of research commissioned to obtain information on anthropometry of wheeled mobility devices. They include information on space required for “kneeholes,” reaching abilities of wheeled mobility users, clear floor area space requirements and maneuvering clearances. Unfortunately, without a research report with details about the research protocols, it is difficult to interpret and compare the results of this interesting study to the others.

Knee height measured from “floor to top of knee” but it is not clear what anatomical body landmark was used in the knee area and how knee height and location relates to lap height. Footrest depth was measured from “front of wheelchair seat to the front of the toes” but an anatomical landmark on the toes was not identified and information was not provided about how measurements were made when the toe was not as far forward as the footrest or other part of the device (e.g. scooter body) or when footrests did not extend as far as the front wheels. An armrest height landmark is illustrated in the document but it is not clear whether the top was defined as the top of the metal structure of the armrest or an armrest pad. The illustration shows the former. It is also not clear what was measured if the chair had no armrests or slanted armrests.

Reach ranges were measured using a fixed counter height at 750 mm and at three angles of arm reach with respect to the counter. Two conditions, “comfortable” and “extended” were measured. The former did not include stretching or bending from the waist and the latter included stretching and bending but it is not clear whether all participants could do the latter and which hand was used. It is also not clear how individuals were positioned with respect to the counter. No information is given about how the protocol dealt with individuals who could not reach at the specified angles, the landmark on the body used to measure the reach nor the conditions of reaching, e.g. free reach, with a weight, reach to target, open hand, closed fist, etc. No information is provided on the landmark used to measure reach, e.g. tips of fingers or other landmark on the hand.

Clear floor area included the space needed to accommodate wheelchair accessories and the projection of toes beyond footrests and arms and elbows beyond the armrests. It is not clear whether other body parts were included, e.g. knees and legs on scooters. No information is given on the details of the protocol for measuring clear floor area or maneuvering clearances. In particular, it is not clear whether the maneuvers were performed in open space or within some sort of confined space, what constituted a successful trial, how many trials were performed and how the space clearance required was measured. From an illustration, it appears that the protocol for the 180-degree turn did allow participants to perform either a U turn or a K turn.

It appears, from the report of data on the maneuvering trials that some scooters and attendant propelled chairs were included in the sample. It is not clear whether these individuals were included in the device, body or reach measurements.

From basic information gathered with human participants, the researchers developed computer aided design simulations to identify clearances needed for access aisles at vehicles.