GLOSSARY OF

WHEELCHAIR TERMS
AND DEFINITIONS
Version 1.0 December 2013

Supported by Grant #690 from the PVA Education Foundation

GLOSSARY OF WHEELCHAIR TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Version 1.0
December 2013

Project Director
Kelly Waugh, PT, MAPT, ATP
Senior Instructor/Clinic Coordinator
Assistive Technology Partners
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, Colorado

Project Team/Contributors

Barbara Crane, PT, PhD, ATP/SMS Faith Saftler Savage, PT, ATP
Associate Professor Seating Specialist
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences The Boston Home
University of Hartford Boston, Massachusetts
Hartford, Connecticut
Kim Davis, MSPT, ATP
Susan Johnson Taylor, OT/L Physical Therapist
Wheelchair and Seating Clinic Crotched Mountain ATECH Services
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Concord, New Hampshire
Chicago, Illinois
Lois Brown, MPT, ATP/SMS
Susan Cwiertnia, PT, MS, ATP Director of Clinical Operations and Education
Clinical Education Specialist National Seating and Mobility
VARILITE® Nashville, Tennessee
Seattle, Washington
Susan Christie PT/ATP
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital
Malvern, Pennsylvania
PREFACE

This glossary is the final product of a two year project funded by the Paralyzed Veterans of
America (PVA) Education Foundation. The overall goal of this project is to advance clinical
practice in the field of wheelchair seating by promoting the adoption of standardized terminology
related to wheelchairs and wheelchair seated posture. The field of wheelchair seating is
interdisciplinary, and clear communication among team members is critical to effective decision
making and positive outcomes for the consumer. There are many terms related to wheelchairs
defined in technical standards, published by the International Organization of Standardization
(ISO) and the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
(RESNA). However, these ISO and RESNA standards are costly to purchase and often
technically complex and difficult to use. There is a clear need for accessible, clinically friendly
resources containing accurate up to date information on terminology used in this growing field.

The first outcome of this project, a resource manual titled A Clinical Application Guide to
Standardized Wheelchair Seating Measures of the Body and Seating Support Surfaces [1], was
completed in February of 2013, with a revised edition published in July of 2013. The primary
purpose of this clinical guide was to translate a highly technical international standard, ISO
16840-1 (2006) [2] into a format and language that is easy to understand and clinically useful. It
describes the standardized terms for measures of the seated person’s body and seating support
surfaces, and includes detailed descriptions, illustrations, sample measurement methodologies,
and comments on clinical relevance. This resource manual does not include terms for labeling
wheelchairs and their components, nor terms for measurements of the wheelchair frame or
base – as these were not a part of the ISO 16840-1 (2006) standard.

Scope
This glossary, the final product in this project, includes a comprehensive, searchable list of
terms and definitions related to wheelchairs, wheelchair seating, and wheelchair seated posture.
It is comprised of four primary sections. Section 1.0 Wheeled Mobility Device Types and
Related Terms includes terms for labeling the primary categories and types of wheeled mobility
devices, terms for wheelchair operators, and terms related to the transportation of wheelchairs
in motor vehicles. Section 2.0 Wheelchair Components and Features includes terms used to
label wheelchair components, their styles and features. Section 3.0 Seating Support System
includes terms used to label the postural support devices used in wheelchair seating systems,
as well as postural support device types and features. Section 4.0 Angular and Linear
Dimensions includes measurement terms that define and differentiate the angular and linear
dimensions of a wheelchair seated person’s body, the seating support surfaces and the
wheelchair frame.

Methodology
The project team created an initial list of over 1500 terms retrieved from 19 reference sources.
Sources included ISO and RESNA technical standards [2-5], RESNA position papers [6-9],
books [10-14], articles and policy documents [15-18], a terminology guide developed by the
Consortium for Assistive Technology Outcomes Research (CATOR) [19] and the clinical guide
described above [1]. Additionally, the team reviewed two relevant articles [20, 21] and minutes
from an ISO committee meeting in which terminology was discussed [22], as well as several
manufacturers’ websites and order forms. There were numerous duplicate terms as expected,
as well as similar terms defined and used differently. This comprehensive process also
revealed multiple inconsistencies within the technical standards themselves, requiring the
project team to adapt many of the terms and/or definitions currently in existing ISO or RESNA
standards. ISO and RESNA standards are routinely reviewed and revised, and in fact, two of
the primary standards accessed for this glossary are currently in the process of being revised:
ISO 7176 -26 (2007) [3] and ISO 16840-1 (2006) [2]. The recommendations from this work will
be communicated to the relevant ISO standards committees to inform the current revision
process.
The project team used their expertise and best judgment to edit down the number of terms and
their definitions for consistency and practical use, giving preference to terms and definitions
defined in technical standards, guides to technical standards, and the comprehensive work of
Shoemaker, et al. at CATOR [19, 20]. Finally, the terms and definitions were reviewed and
edited multiple times to create the final list included in this glossary.

How to Use this Glossary

The terms in this glossary are organized by function and use, not alphabetically. However, each
term is numbered sequentially and can be found either by looking in the table of contents or the
index. The numbering system also reflects a hierarchy, where types and subtypes of a term are
numbered correspondingly. To assist with understanding the hierarchy used to label and define
categories of wheeled mobility devices, see the Appendix. This hierarchy is an adaptation of
the Mobility-Related Assistive Technology Device Classification developed by Shoemaker, et al.
at CATOR [19].
If there is an abbreviation for a term, it is included in parenthesis after the term. For some
terms, an acceptable alternative term is listed under the preferred term (not bolded). Usually
these acceptable alternative terms are simply a shortened version of the term. Under each
definition, the primary source from which the term and/or the definition was extracted is listed. If
the term and definition were taken verbatim from a single source, it is named. If the term and/or
definition were edited in any way, the words “adapted from” will precede the source name, or
names if multiple sources were used to develop the definition. Some terms were added and
defined by the project team, and in this case the source is listed as the Glossary of Terms and
Definitions (GTD) Project Team.
There are many terms currently in use that because of similarity, duplication or unclear
meaning, should be replaced by terms in this glossary. To help us move toward a common
vocabulary, these “deprecated” terms are listed under the preferred term. They are also listed
in the index, so the reader can find the preferred term by looking up the deprecated term.

Future Work Needed

There is currently no single resource containing a comprehensive list of accepted wheelchair
related terms and definitions that is freely accessible and practical to use for health care
professionals in the field of wheelchair prescription, service delivery, public policy and research.
We hope that this glossary represents a first and foundational step toward addressing this need.
However, much work is left to be done, as there is a need for greater stakeholder input
regarding the current list of terms as well as additional terms that should be added to future
versions. In particular, several important terms were left out of the section on wheelchair frame
components and styles. There is currently significant inconsistency in this area, both in terms
used to label styles of components as well as how dimensional measures are defined.
Therefore, this is an area that requires significant input from a consortium of representatives
from wheelchair and seating manufacturers. Additionally, there were other categories of terms
that the team decided to leave out of this initial version of the glossary. This included a set of
clinical terms (such as terms for common medical diagnoses, postural deformities, and joint
range of motion) that while useful for our industry, are adequately defined elsewhere. However,
stakeholders may disagree and future versions of this glossary could include these commonly
used clinical terms.
It is our hope that future grants will enable us to continue this work. Feedback on this initial
version needs to be gathered, and discussions with manufacturers, suppliers and clinicians
needs to be facilitated. Achieving the goal of a common vocabulary will ultimately help
therapists, suppliers and other stakeholders involved in wheelchair prescription improve the
quality and efficiency of their service delivery, with improved outcomes for consumers.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1.0 WHEELED MOBILITY DEVICE TYPES AND RELATED TERMS ................................. 19
1.1 Primary Types of Mobility-Related Assistive Technology Devices .................... 19
1.1.1 mobility-related assistive technology device (MRATD) ................................ 19
1.1.2 ambulation aid (AA) ...................................................................................... 19
1.1.3 wheeled mobility device (WMD) .................................................................. 19
1.1.4 manual wheeled mobility device (MMD) ....................................................... 19
1.1.5 power wheeled mobility device (PMD) ......................................................... 20
1.1.6 wheelchair .................................................................................................... 20
1.2 Manual Mobility Devices ....................................................................................... 20
1.2.1 manual wheelchair (MWC) ........................................................................... 20
1.2.2 standard upright manual wheelchair ............................................................. 20
1.2.2.1 standard manual wheelchair with NON-adjustable frame ............... 20
1.2.2.2 standard manual wheelchair with SINGLE-adjustment frame ........ 20
1.2.2.3 standard manual wheelchair with MINIMAL-adjustment frame ....... 21
1.2.2.4 fully configurable standard manual wheelchair............................... 21
1.2.3 sport specific manual wheelchair .................................................................. 21
1.2.4 variable positioning manual wheelchair ........................................................ 21
1.2.4.1 manual wheelchair with recline ...................................................... 21
1.2.4.2 manual wheelchair with tilt ............................................................. 21
1.2.4.3 manual wheelchair with tilt and recline ........................................... 22
1.2.4.4 manual wheelchair with lateral tilt .................................................. 22
1.2.4.5 manual standing wheelchair .......................................................... 22
1.2.4.6 dependent pediatric variable positioning wheelchair ...................... 22
1.2.5 transport wheelchair ..................................................................................... 22
1.2.5.1 aisle wheelchair ............................................................................. 22
1.2.5.2 adult transport wheelchair .............................................................. 22
1.2.5.3 pediatric adaptive stroller ............................................................... 23
1.2.6 ADL- specific manual wheelchair ................................................................. 23
1.2.6.1 shower wheelchair ......................................................................... 23
1.2.6.2 toilet wheelchair ............................................................................. 23
1.2.7 other manual mobility devices ...................................................................... 23
1.3 Power Mobility Devices ......................................................................................... 23
1.3.1 power wheelchair (PWC).............................................................................. 23
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1.3.2 power wheelchair with integrated seating ..................................................... 24

1.3.3 powerbase wheelchair ................................................................................. 24
1.3.4 specialty power wheelchair .......................................................................... 24
1.3.4.1 balancing wheelchair ..................................................................... 24
1.3.4.2 stair climbing wheelchair ................................................................ 24
1.3.5 scooter ......................................................................................................... 24
1.3.6 other power mobility devices ........................................................................ 24
1.4 Wheelchair Operators............................................................................................ 25
1.4.1 operator ....................................................................................................... 25
1.4.2 occupant ...................................................................................................... 25
1.4.3 assistant ....................................................................................................... 25
1.5 Transportation of Occupied Wheelchairs ............................................................ 25
1.5.1 wheelchair-tiedown and occupant-restraint system (WTORS) ...................... 25
1.5.2 occupant restraint......................................................................................... 25
1.5.3 forward facing .............................................................................................. 25
1.5.4 rearward-facing ............................................................................................ 25
1.5.5 wheelchair tiedown....................................................................................... 26
1.5.6 four-point tiedown......................................................................................... 26
1.5.7 four-point strap-type tiedown ........................................................................ 26
1.5.8 clamp-type tiedown ...................................................................................... 26
1.5.9 docking-type tiedown ................................................................................... 26
1.5.10 docking tiedown device .............................................................................. 27
1.5.11 universal docking interface geometry (UDIG) ............................................. 27
1.5.12 strap ........................................................................................................... 27
1.5.13 wheelchair tiedown adaptor ........................................................................ 27
1.5.14 anchor point ............................................................................................... 27
1.5.15 anchorage .................................................................................................. 27
1.5.16 securement points ...................................................................................... 27
1.5.17 three-point belt ........................................................................................... 27
1.5.18 shoulder belt .............................................................................................. 28
1.5.19 pelvic belt ................................................................................................... 28
1.5.20 head restraint ............................................................................................. 28
1.5.21 restraint harness ........................................................................................ 28
1.5.22 belt ............................................................................................................. 28
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1.5.23 airbag ......................................................................................................... 28

Section 2.0 WHEELCHAIR COMPONENTS AND FEATURES ........................................................ 29
2.1 Basic Frame Components and Styles .................................................................. 29
2.1.1 wheeled mobility base .................................................................................. 29
2.1.2 wheelchair frame .......................................................................................... 29
2.1.3 dependent wheelchair frame ........................................................................ 29
2.1.4 folding frame ................................................................................................ 29
2.1.5 rigid frame .................................................................................................... 29
2.1.6 back post ..................................................................................................... 29
2.1.7 seat rail ........................................................................................................ 29
2.1.8 arm support assembly .................................................................................. 30
2.1.9 lower leg support assembly .......................................................................... 30
2.1.10 powerbase ................................................................................................. 30
2.1.11 captain’s chair ............................................................................................ 30
2.1.12 non-adjustable rehab seat .......................................................................... 30
2.1.13 adjustable rehab seat frame ....................................................................... 30
2.2 Back Post Components and Styles ...................................................................... 31
2.2.1 fixed back posts ........................................................................................... 31
2.2.2 angle adjustable back posts ......................................................................... 31
2.2.3 depth adjustable back posts ......................................................................... 31
2.2.4 height adjustable back posts ........................................................................ 31
2.2.5 fold-down back posts ................................................................................... 31
2.2.6 dynamic back posts...................................................................................... 31
2.2.7 rigidizer bar .................................................................................................. 31
2.2.8 back post release mechanism ...................................................................... 31
2.2.9 push handle ................................................................................................. 32
2.2.10 add-on push handle ................................................................................... 32
2.2.11 handgrip ..................................................................................................... 32
2.2.12 stroller handle ............................................................................................ 32
2.3 Other Wheelchair Frame Options and Accessories ............................................ 32
2.3.1 anti-tip device ............................................................................................... 32
2.3.2 clothing guard .............................................................................................. 32
2.3.3 spoke guards ............................................................................................... 32
2.3.4 suspension ................................................................................................... 32
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2.3.5 frame suspension system............................................................................. 33

2.3.6 caster suspension system ............................................................................ 33
2.4 Drive System Type ................................................................................................. 33
2.4.1 one-arm drive ............................................................................................... 33
2.4.2 lever-drive .................................................................................................... 33
2.4.3 geared hub drive .......................................................................................... 33
2.4.4 handrim-activated power-assist drive ........................................................... 33
2.4.5 power add-on unit ........................................................................................ 33
2.4.6 direct drive ................................................................................................... 33
2.4.7 friction drive.................................................................................................. 34
2.4.8 belt/chain drive ............................................................................................. 34
2.5 Wheels and Steering ............................................................................................. 34
2.5.1 drive wheel ................................................................................................... 34
2.5.2 maneuvering wheel ...................................................................................... 34
2.5.3 guide wheel .................................................................................................. 34
2.5.4 pivot wheel ................................................................................................... 35
2.5.5 pivot drive wheel .......................................................................................... 35
2.5.6 caster wheel ................................................................................................. 35
2.5.7 caster assembly ........................................................................................... 35
2.5.8 caster fork .................................................................................................... 35
2.5.9 caster fork adjustment .................................................................................. 35
2.5.10 caster stem ................................................................................................ 35
2.5.11 caster stem housing ................................................................................... 36
2.5.12 caster housing adjustment ......................................................................... 36
2.5.13 trailing position ........................................................................................... 36
2.5.14 forward trailing position .............................................................................. 36
2.5.15 rearward trailing position ............................................................................ 36
2.5.16 axle plate.................................................................................................... 36
2.5.17 quick-release axles .................................................................................... 36
2.5.18 rear wheel axle adjustability ....................................................................... 36
2.5.19 handrim ...................................................................................................... 36
2.5.20 handrim type .............................................................................................. 36
2.5.21 handrim spacers......................................................................................... 37
2.5.22 contoured handrims ................................................................................... 37
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2.5.23 handrim with projection knobs .................................................................... 37

2.5.24 spoke wheel ............................................................................................... 37
2.5.25 mag wheel.................................................................................................. 37
2.5.26 high performance wheel ............................................................................. 37
2.5.27 pneumatic tire ............................................................................................ 37
2.5.28 semi-pneumatic tire .................................................................................... 37
2.5.29 solid tire ..................................................................................................... 37
2.5.30 airless insert ............................................................................................... 38
2.5.31 steering system .......................................................................................... 38
2.5.32 tiller ............................................................................................................ 38
2.6 Wheel Dimensional Characteristics ..................................................................... 38
2.6.1 wheel axle horizontal location....................................................................... 38
2.6.2 wheel axle vertical location ........................................................................... 38
2.6.3 rear wheel spacing ....................................................................................... 38
2.6.4 wheel diameter ............................................................................................. 38
2.6.5 handrim diameter ......................................................................................... 39
2.6.6 handrim spacer length .................................................................................. 39
2.6.7 camber ......................................................................................................... 39
2.6.8 toe ................................................................................................................ 39
2.6.9 caster cant ................................................................................................... 39
2.6.10 caster rake ................................................................................................. 40
2.7 Wheel Location ...................................................................................................... 40
2.7.1 power drive wheel location ........................................................................... 40
2.7.1.1 rear-wheel drive ............................................................................. 40
2.7.1.2 mid-wheel drive ............................................................................. 40
2.7.1.3 center-wheel drive ......................................................................... 40
2.7.1.4 front-wheel drive ............................................................................ 40
2.7.2 manual drive wheel configuration ................................................................. 41
2.7.2.1 rear-wheel propulsion .................................................................... 41
2.7.2.2 mid-wheel propulsion ..................................................................... 41
2.7.2.3 front-wheel propulsion ................................................................... 41
2.7.2.4 reversible propulsion...................................................................... 41
2.8 Braking, Motors and Batteries .............................................................................. 41
2.8.1 wheel lock .................................................................................................... 41
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2.8.2 push-to-lock wheel locks .............................................................................. 41

2.8.3 pull-to-lock wheel locks ................................................................................ 42
2.8.4 retractable (scissor) wheel locks .................................................................. 42
2.8.5 attendant operated wheel lock...................................................................... 42
2.8.6 wheel lock extension .................................................................................... 42
2.8.7 automatic brake ........................................................................................... 42
2.8.8 running brake ............................................................................................... 42
2.8.9 motor............................................................................................................ 42
2.8.10 two-pole motors.......................................................................................... 42
2.8.11 four-pole motors ......................................................................................... 43
2.8.12 gearless brushless motor ........................................................................... 43
2.8.13 tracking technology .................................................................................... 43
2.8.14 battery pack ............................................................................................... 43
2.8.15 battery size................................................................................................. 43
2.8.16 on-board battery charger ............................................................................ 43
2.8.17 off-board battery charger ............................................................................ 43
2.8.18 carry-on battery charger ............................................................................. 43
2.9 Power Wheelchair User Interface ......................................................................... 44
2.9.1 controller ...................................................................................................... 44
2.9.1.1 non-expandable controller ............................................................. 44
2.9.1.2 expandable controller .................................................................... 44
2.9.2 drive control ................................................................................................. 44
2.9.2.1 proportional (analog) drive control ................................................. 44
2.9.2.2 non-proportional (digital) drive control ............................................ 44
2.9.2.3 standard drive control .................................................................... 45
2.9.2.4 alternative drive control .................................................................. 45
2.9.2.5 mechanical switch drive control ..................................................... 45
2.9.2.6 electronic switch drive control ........................................................ 45
2.9.3 input device .................................................................................................. 45
2.9.3.1 standard proportional joystick ........................................................ 45
2.9.3.2 alternative joystick ......................................................................... 46
2.9.3.3 non-proportional joystick ................................................................ 46
2.9.3.4 sip-n-puff device ............................................................................ 46
2.9.3.5 touch-pad (tablet control) ............................................................... 46
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2.9.4 latched switch control ................................................................................... 46

2.9.5 momentary switch control............................................................................. 46
2.9.6 stop switch ................................................................................................... 46
2.10 Seat Frame Variable Positioning Features ......................................................... 47
2.10.1 type of manual tilt ....................................................................................... 47
2.10.1.1 rear pivot tilt ................................................................................. 47
2.10.1.2 forward pivot tilt ........................................................................... 47
2.10.1.3 center pivot tilt ............................................................................. 47
2.10.1.4 floating pivot tilt ............................................................................ 47
2.10.2 power seat functions .................................................................................. 47
2.10.2.1 power recline ............................................................................... 48
2.10.2.2 power tilt ...................................................................................... 48
2.10.2.3 power lateral tilt ........................................................................... 48
2.10.2.4 power seat elevation .................................................................... 48
2.10.2.5 power standing ............................................................................ 48
2.10.3 memory seating.......................................................................................... 48
2.10.4 power recline shear reduction .................................................................... 48
Section 3.0 SEATING SUPPORT SYSTEM ..................................................................................... 49
3.1 Major Category Terms ........................................................................................... 49
3.1.1 body support system .................................................................................... 49
3.1.2 seating support system ................................................................................ 49
3.1.3 postural support device assembly ................................................................ 49
3.1.4 postural support device (PSD)...................................................................... 49
3.1.5 postural support device component .............................................................. 50
3.1.6 contact surface ............................................................................................. 50
3.1.7 postural support device mounting hardware ................................................. 50
3.1.8 postural support device attachment hardware .............................................. 50
3.1.9 integrated postural support device ............................................................... 50
3.1.10 integrated seating system .......................................................................... 50
3.1.11 seating support surfaces ............................................................................ 50
3.1.12 primary support surfaces ............................................................................ 50
3.1.13 secondary support surfaces ....................................................................... 51
3.2 General Postural Support Device Characteristics ............................................... 51
3.2.1 recline .......................................................................................................... 51
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3.2.2 procline ........................................................................................................ 51

3.2.3 incline........................................................................................................... 51
3.2.4 decline ......................................................................................................... 51
3.2.5 tilt ................................................................................................................. 52
3.2.6 planar ........................................................................................................... 52
3.2.7 pre-contoured............................................................................................... 52
3.2.8 custom contoured......................................................................................... 52
3.2.9 fixed ............................................................................................................. 52
3.2.10 removable .................................................................................................. 52
3.2.11 angle adjustable ......................................................................................... 52
3.2.12 flip-up ......................................................................................................... 52
3.2.13 flip-down..................................................................................................... 53
3.2.14 swing-away ................................................................................................ 53
3.2.15 modular ...................................................................................................... 53
3.2.16 occupant adjustable ................................................................................... 53
3.2.17 assistant adjustable .................................................................................... 53
3.2.18 tool adjustable ............................................................................................ 53
3.2.19 tension adjustable ...................................................................................... 53
3.3 Primary Seating Supports ..................................................................................... 54
3.3.1 seat .............................................................................................................. 54
3.3.1.1 integrated wheelchair seat ............................................................. 54
3.3.1.2 integrated sling seat....................................................................... 54
3.3.1.3 integrated solid seat....................................................................... 54
3.3.1.4 wheelchair seat pan ....................................................................... 54
3.3.1.5 seat cushion .................................................................................. 54
3.3.1.6 solid seat insert.............................................................................. 54
3.3.1.7 inclined seat................................................................................... 55
3.3.1.8 declined seat ................................................................................. 55
3.3.1.9 anti-thrust seat ............................................................................... 55
3.3.1.10 pelvic contour area ...................................................................... 55
3.3.2 back support (BS) ........................................................................................ 55
3.3.2.1 integrated wheelchair back support ............................................... 55
3.3.2.2 integrated sling back support ......................................................... 55
3.3.2.3 integrated solid back support ......................................................... 55
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3.3.2.4 biangular back support .................................................................. 56

3.3.2.5 I-back............................................................................................. 56
3.3.2.6 T-back ........................................................................................... 56
3.3.3 lower leg support (LLS) ................................................................................ 56
3.3.4 foot support (FS) .......................................................................................... 56
3.3.5 arm support (AS) .......................................................................................... 56
3.3.6 head support (HS) ........................................................................................ 56
3.4 Secondary Seating Supports ................................................................................ 57
3.4.1 anterior support ............................................................................................ 57
3.4.1.1 anterior head support..................................................................... 57
3.4.1.2 anterior shoulder support ............................................................... 57
3.4.1.3 anterior trunk support..................................................................... 57
3.4.1.4 anterior pelvic support ................................................................... 57
3.4.1.5 pelvic positioning belt..................................................................... 57
3.4.1.6 rigid pelvic stabilizer....................................................................... 57
3.4.1.7 anterior knee support (AKS) ......................................................... 58
3.4.1.8 anterior lower leg support .............................................................. 58
3.4.1.9 ankle strap ..................................................................................... 58
3.4.2 posterior support .......................................................................................... 58
3.4.2.1 posterior upper arm support........................................................... 58
3.4.2.2 posterior foot support ..................................................................... 58
3.4.3 medial support ............................................................................................. 58
3.4.3.1 medial knee support (MKS) ........................................................... 59
3.4.3.2 medial knee support block ............................................................. 59
3.4.3.3 medial thigh support ...................................................................... 59
3.4.4 lateral support .............................................................................................. 59
3.4.4.1 lateral head support (LHS) ............................................................. 59
3.4.4.2 lateral forearm support ................................................................... 59
3.4.4.3 lateral trunk support (LTS) ............................................................. 59
3.4.4.4 lateral pelvic support (LPS) ............................................................ 60
3.4.4.5 lateral thigh support ....................................................................... 60
3.4.4.6 lateral knee support (LKS) ............................................................. 60
3.4.4.7 lateral lower leg support ................................................................. 60
3.4.5 superior support ........................................................................................... 60
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3.4.5.1 superior forearm support ............................................................... 60

3.4.5.2 superior thigh support .................................................................... 60
3.4.5.3 superior foot support ...................................................................... 61
3.4.6 inferior support ............................................................................................. 61
3.4.6.1 inferior pelvic support..................................................................... 61
3.4.6.2 inferior thigh support ...................................................................... 61
3.4.6.3 arm trough ..................................................................................... 61
3.4.7 circumferential support ................................................................................. 61
3.4.7.1 circumferential neck support .......................................................... 61
3.4.7.2 circumferential ankle support ......................................................... 61
3.5 Materials and Material Properties Used in Seat Cushions .................................. 62
3.5.1 air ................................................................................................................. 62
3.5.2 solid ............................................................................................................. 62
3.5.3 gel ................................................................................................................ 62
3.5.4 viscous fluid ................................................................................................. 62
3.5.5 viscoelastic fluid ........................................................................................... 62
3.5.6 viscoelastic foam .......................................................................................... 62
3.5.7 elastomer ..................................................................................................... 62
3.5.8 open cell foam .............................................................................................. 62
3.5.9 closed cell foam ........................................................................................... 63
3.5.10 elastic foam ................................................................................................ 63
3.5.11 convoluted foam ......................................................................................... 63
3.5.12 flexible matrix ............................................................................................. 63
3.5.13 non-deforming foam or matrix .................................................................... 63
3.5.14 overlay ....................................................................................................... 63
3.5.15 air cushion.................................................................................................. 63
3.5.16 water cushion ............................................................................................. 63
3.5.17 cushion with displacing solid elements ....................................................... 63
3.5.18 active support surface ................................................................................ 64
3.5.19 air fluidized ................................................................................................. 64
3.5.20 alternating pressure ................................................................................... 64
3.5.21 reactive support surface ............................................................................. 64
3.5.22 bonded ....................................................................................................... 64
3.5.23 segmented ................................................................................................. 64
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3.5.24 cell/bladder................................................................................................. 64
3.5.25 cut-out ........................................................................................................ 64
3.5.26 zone ........................................................................................................... 64
3.5.27 stiffness ...................................................................................................... 65
3.5.28 envelopment .............................................................................................. 65
3.5.29 immersion .................................................................................................. 65
3.5.30 critical immersion ....................................................................................... 65
3.5.31 dampening ................................................................................................. 65
3.5.32 fatigue ........................................................................................................ 65
3.5.33 bottomed out .............................................................................................. 65
3.5.34 life expectancy ........................................................................................... 65
3.5.35 pressure redistribution ................................................................................ 65
Section 4.0 ANGULAR AND LINEAR DIMENSIONS ....................................................................... 66
4.1 General Reference Terms - Axis Systems ........................................................... 66
4.1.1 global coordinate system.............................................................................. 66
4.1.2 local axis system .......................................................................................... 66
4.1.3 wheelchair axis system (WAS) ..................................................................... 66
4.1.4 support surface axis system (SSAS) ............................................................ 66
4.2 General Reference Terms - Planes ....................................................................... 67
4.2.1 reference plane ............................................................................................ 67
4.2.2 wheelchair ground plane .............................................................................. 67
4.2.3 sagittal plane ................................................................................................ 67
4.2.4 frontal plane ................................................................................................. 67
4.2.5 transverse plane........................................................................................... 67
4.2.6 wheelchair sagittal reference plane .............................................................. 67
4.2.7 support surface reference plane .................................................................. 68
4.2.7.1 back support reference plane ........................................................ 68
4.2.7.2 seat reference plane ...................................................................... 68
4.2.7.3 lower leg support reference plane .................................................. 68
4.2.7.4 foot support reference plane .......................................................... 68
4.3 General Reference Terms - Positions, Points and Lines .................................... 68
4.3.1 seated reference position (SRP) ................................................................. 68
4.3.2 support surface reference position (SSRP) .................................................. 69
4.3.3 seat reference point ..................................................................................... 69
 12

4.3.4 wheelchair center point ................................................................................ 69

4.3.5 body centerline ............................................................................................. 69
4.3.6 body segment line ........................................................................................ 69
4.3.7 support surface reference line ...................................................................... 69
4.3.8 support surface geometric center (SSGC) .................................................... 70
4.4 General Reference Terms - Directional Terms..................................................... 70
4.4.1 anterior ......................................................................................................... 70
4.4.2 posterior ....................................................................................................... 70
4.4.3 superior ........................................................................................................ 70
4.4.4 inferior .......................................................................................................... 70
4.4.5 lateral ........................................................................................................... 71
4.4.6 medial .......................................................................................................... 71
4.5 General Reference Terms - Angles....................................................................... 71
4.5.1 relative angle................................................................................................ 71
4.5.2 absolute angle .............................................................................................. 71
4.5.3 sagittal angle (sang)........................................................................................ 71
4.5.4 frontal angle (fang) ......................................................................................... 71
4.5.5 transverse angle (tang) ................................................................................... 71
4.6 General Reference Terms - Linear Dimensions ................................................... 72
4.6.1 width (w) ...................................................................................................... 72
4.6.2 length (l) ....................................................................................................... 72
4.6.3 depth (d) ...................................................................................................... 72
4.6.4 height (h) ...................................................................................................... 72
4.6.5 thickness (t).................................................................................................. 72
4.6.6 contour-width (c-w) ....................................................................................... 72
4.6.7 contour-length (c-l) ....................................................................................... 72
4.6.8 contour-depth (c-d)....................................................................................... 73
4.7 Body Segment Angles ........................................................................................... 73
4.7.1 thigh to trunk angle (THI-TK) ........................................................................ 73
4.7.2 thigh to pelvis angle (THI-PS)....................................................................... 73
4.7.3 thigh to lower leg angle (THI-LLG) ............................................................... 73
4.7.4 lower leg to foot angle (LLG-FT)................................................................... 73
4.7.5 sagittal pelvic angle (PSsang) ......................................................................... 73
4.7.6 sagittal trunk angle (TKsang) .......................................................................... 74
 13

4.7.7 sagittal thigh angle (THIsang) ......................................................................... 74

4.7.8 sagittal head angle (HDsang) .......................................................................... 74
4.7.9 sagittal upper trunk angle (UTKsang) .............................................................. 74
4.7.10 sagittal sternal angle (STsang)...................................................................... 74
4.7.11 sagittal abdominal angle (ABsang) ................................................................ 74
4.7.12 sagittal lower leg angle (LLGsang) ................................................................ 74
4.7.13 sagittal foot angle (FTsang) .......................................................................... 74
4.7.14 frontal pelvic angle (PSfang) ......................................................................... 74
4.7.15 frontal sternal angle (STfang) ....................................................................... 74
4.7.16 frontal trunk angle (TKfang) .......................................................................... 75
4.7.17 frontal head angle (HDfang) .......................................................................... 75
4.7.18 frontal lower leg angle (LLGfang) .................................................................. 75
4.7.19 frontal foot angle (FTfang) ............................................................................ 75
4.7.20 transverse pelvic angle (PStang) .................................................................. 75
4.7.21 transverse trunk angle (TKtang).................................................................... 75
4.7.22 transverse head angle (HDtang) ................................................................... 75
4.7.23 transverse thigh angle (THItang)................................................................... 75
4.7.24 transverse foot angle (FTtang) ...................................................................... 75
4.8 Body Linear Dimensions ....................................................................................... 76
4.8.1 buttock/thigh depth ....................................................................................... 76
4.8.2 ischial depth ................................................................................................. 76
4.8.3 maximum sitting depth ................................................................................. 76
4.8.4 foot depth ..................................................................................................... 76
4.8.5 forearm depth............................................................................................... 76
4.8.6 lumbar curve depth ...................................................................................... 76
4.8.7 thoracic curve depth ..................................................................................... 76
4.8.8 trunk depth ................................................................................................... 77
4.8.9 occiput depth................................................................................................ 77
4.8.10 elbow height ............................................................................................... 77
4.8.11 axilla height ................................................................................................ 77
4.8.12 scapular height ........................................................................................... 77
4.8.13 shoulder height........................................................................................... 77
4.8.14 PSIS height ................................................................................................ 77
4.8.15 occiput height ............................................................................................. 77
 14

4.8.16 thigh height ................................................................................................ 78

4.8.17 maximum sitting height............................................................................... 78
4.8.18 lower leg length .......................................................................................... 78
4.8.19 sternal length ............................................................................................. 78
4.8.20 hip width ..................................................................................................... 78
4.8.21 waist width ................................................................................................. 78
4.8.22 chest width ................................................................................................. 78
4.8.23 shoulder width ............................................................................................ 78
4.8.24 head width.................................................................................................. 78
4.8.25 knee width .................................................................................................. 78
4.8.26 internal knee width ..................................................................................... 79
4.8.27 external knee width .................................................................................... 79
4.8.28 external thigh width .................................................................................... 79
4.8.29 internal foot width ....................................................................................... 79
4.8.30 external foot width ...................................................................................... 79
4.8.31 maximum lower body width ........................................................................ 79
4.8.32 maximum sitting width ................................................................................ 79
4.8.33 lateral knee to centerline ............................................................................ 79
4.8.34 medial knee to centerline ........................................................................... 79
4.8.35 occiput to centerline ................................................................................... 80
4.8.36 occiput to C7 .............................................................................................. 80
4.9 Seating Support Surface Angles .......................................................................... 80
4.9.1 seat to back support angle (S-BS) ................................................................ 80
4.9.2 seat to lower back support angle (S-LBS) ................................................... 80
4.9.3 seat to upper back support angle (S-UBS) ................................................... 80
4.9.4 seat to lower leg support angle (S-LLS) ....................................................... 80
4.9.5 lower leg support to foot support angle (LLS-FS) ......................................... 80
4.9.6 back support sagittal angle (BSsang) .............................................................. 81
4.9.7 back support frontal angle (BSfang) ................................................................ 81
4.9.8 back support transverse angle (BStang) ......................................................... 81
4.9.9 seat sagittal angle (SEATsang) ....................................................................... 81
4.9.10 seat frontal angle (SEATfang) ....................................................................... 81
4.9.11 seat transverse angle (SEATtang) ................................................................ 81
4.9.12 lower leg support sagittal angle (LLSsang).................................................... 81
 15

4.9.13 lower leg support frontal angle (LLSfang) ..................................................... 81

4.9.14 lower leg support transverse angle (LLStang) ............................................... 82
4.9.15 foot support sagittal angle (FSsang).............................................................. 82
4.9.16 foot support frontal angle (FSfang) ............................................................... 82
4.9.17 foot support transverse angle (FStang) ......................................................... 82
4.9.18 head support sagittal angle (HSsang) ........................................................... 82
4.9.19 head support frontal angle (HSfang) ............................................................. 82
4.9.20 head support transverse angle (HStang) ...................................................... 82
4.9.21 arm support sagittal angle (ASsang) ............................................................. 82
4.9.22 arm support frontal angle (ASfang) ............................................................... 82
4.9.23 arm support transverse angle (AStang) ........................................................ 83
4.9.24 lateral head support sagittal angle (LHSsang) ............................................... 83
4.9.25 lateral head support frontal angle (LHSfang)................................................. 83
4.9.26 lateral head support transverse angle (LHStang) .......................................... 83
4.9.27 lateral trunk support sagittal angle (LTSsang) ............................................... 83
4.9.28 lateral trunk support frontal angle (LTSfang) ................................................. 83
4.9.29 lateral trunk support transverse angle (LTStang) .......................................... 83
4.9.30 lateral pelvic support sagittal angle (LPSsang) .............................................. 83
4.9.31 lateral pelvic support frontal angle (LPSfang)................................................ 84
4.9.32 lateral pelvic support transverse angle (LPStang) ......................................... 84
4.9.33 lateral knee support sagittal angle (LKSsang) ............................................... 84
4.9.34 lateral knee support frontal angle (LKSfang) ................................................. 84
4.9.35 lateral knee support transverse angle (LKStang) .......................................... 84
4.9.36 medial knee support sagittal angle (MKSsang) ............................................. 84
4.9.37 medial knee support frontal angle (MKSfang) ............................................... 84
4.9.38 medial knee support transverse angle (MKStang) ........................................ 84
4.9.39 anterior knee support sagittal angle (AKSsang) ............................................ 84
4.9.40 anterior knee support frontal angle (AKSfang) .............................................. 85
4.9.41 anterior knee support transverse angle (AKStang) ....................................... 85
4.10 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Seat .......................................... 85
4.10.1 seat width ................................................................................................... 85
4.10.2 effective seat width ..................................................................................... 85
4.10.3 seat width at bottom ................................................................................... 85
4.10.4 seat depth .................................................................................................. 85
 16

4.10.5 effective seat depth .................................................................................... 85

4.10.6 seat depth at bottom .................................................................................. 86
4.10.7 seat thickness ............................................................................................ 86
4.10.8 seat thickness at front ................................................................................ 86
4.10.9 pelvic contour-width ................................................................................... 86
4.10.10 pelvic contour-length ................................................................................ 86
4.10.11 pelvic contour-depth ................................................................................. 86
4.10.12 lateral thigh support height ....................................................................... 86
4.10.13 medial thigh support height ...................................................................... 86
4.10.14 seat surface height at front edge .............................................................. 87
4.10.15 seat surface to foot support ...................................................................... 87
4.11 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions – Back Support .......................... 87
4.11.1 back support width ..................................................................................... 87
4.11.2 inside back support width ........................................................................... 87
4.11.3 outside back support width ......................................................................... 87
4.11.4 overall back support width .......................................................................... 87
4.11.5 back support assembly width ..................................................................... 88
4.11.6 back support length .................................................................................... 88
4.11.7 back support thickness ............................................................................... 88
4.11.8 back support height .................................................................................... 88
4.11.9 back support contour-depth ........................................................................ 88
4.12 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Head Support .......................... 88
4.12.1 head support width ..................................................................................... 88
4.12.2 inside head support width ........................................................................... 88
4.12.3 outside head support width ........................................................................ 89
4.12.4 overall head support width ......................................................................... 89
4.12.5 head support length ................................................................................... 89
4.12.6 head support thickness .............................................................................. 89
4.12.7 head support height ................................................................................... 89
4.13 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Foot Support ........................... 89
4.13.1 foot support width ....................................................................................... 89
4.13.2 foot support depth ...................................................................................... 89
4.13.3 foot support effective depth ........................................................................ 89
4.13.4 foot support thickness ................................................................................ 90
 17

4.13.5 foot support clearance ................................................................................ 90

4.14 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Arm Support ............................ 90
4.14.1 arm support width ....................................................................................... 90
4.14.2 arm support depth ...................................................................................... 90
4.14.3 arm support thickness ................................................................................ 90
4.14.4 arm support height ..................................................................................... 90
4.14.5 distance between arm supports.................................................................. 90
4.15 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Lateral and Medial Support .... 91
4.15.1 lateral support depth .................................................................................. 91
4.15.2 lateral support length .................................................................................. 91
4.15.3 lateral support thickness............................................................................. 91
4.15.4 lateral trunk support height ......................................................................... 91
4.15.5 medial support depth .................................................................................. 91
4.15.6 medial support length ................................................................................. 91
4.15.7 medial support thickness ............................................................................ 91
4.16 Postural Support Device (PSD) Linear Location Measures .............................. 92
4.16.1 postural support device location (PSDloc).................................................... 92
4.16.2 postural support device vertical location (PSDyloc) ...................................... 92
4.16.3 postural support device AP location (PSDxloc) ............................................. 93
4.16.4 postural support device lateral location (PSDzloc) ........................................ 93
4.17 Wheelchair Frame Linear Dimensions ............................................................... 93
4.17.1 seat frame depth ........................................................................................ 93
4.17.2 seat frame width ......................................................................................... 93
4.17.3 front seat frame width ................................................................................. 94
4.17.4 rear seat frame width.................................................................................. 94
4.17.5 front seat frame height ............................................................................... 94
4.17.6 rear seat frame height ................................................................................ 94
4.17.7 seat sling to foot support ............................................................................ 94
4.17.8 handgrip height .......................................................................................... 94
4.17.9 handgrip reference point ............................................................................ 94
4.17.10 ground clearance ..................................................................................... 94
4.18 Wheelchair Overall Dimensions and Mass ........................................................ 95
4.18.1 overall wheelchair depth............................................................................. 95
4.18.2 reduced overall wheelchair depth ............................................................... 95
 18

4.18.3 occupied wheelchair depth ......................................................................... 95

4.18.4 wheelbase .................................................................................................. 95
4.18.5 overall wheelchair width ............................................................................. 95
4.18.6 occupied wheelchair width ......................................................................... 95
4.18.7 overall wheelchair height ............................................................................ 95
4.18.8 occupied wheelchair height ........................................................................ 96
4.18.9 wheelchair footprint .................................................................................... 96
4.18.10 turning diameter ....................................................................................... 96
4.18.11 stowage height ......................................................................................... 96
4.18.12 stowage depth .......................................................................................... 96
4.18.13 stowage width .......................................................................................... 96
4.18.14 mass of heaviest part ............................................................................... 96
4.18.15 maximum occupant mass ......................................................................... 96
4.18.16 total wheelchair mass ............................................................................... 97
 19

Section 1.0 WHEELED MOBILITY DEVICE TYPES AND RELATED TERMS

1.1 Primary Types of Mobility-Related Assistive Technology Devices

Term Definition

1.1.1 mobility-related assistive Assistive technology device that augments or replaces

technology device (MRATD) ambulation for individual with mobility limitations, which is
used for daily functioning to enhance mobility (walking or
moving along a surface). Includes ambulation aides and
wheeled mobility devices.
Excludes: Devices used for specific recreational activities
such as mopeds or golf carts, and devices that are worn
Deprecated: (e.g. lower extremity orthoses or prostheses.)
mobility assistive equipment
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

1.1.2 ambulation aid (AA) Mobility-related assistive technology device that supports
walking aid and assists the user when walking in an upright standing
position with feet on the ground. Includes crutches, canes,
walkers and gait trainers.
Excludes: Manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs and
other wheeled mobility devices.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

1.1.3 wheeled mobility device Mobility-related assistive technology device that provides
(WMD) wheeled mobility in a sitting, lying or standing position for
persons with impaired mobility. Includes manual and power
wheelchairs, scooters (POVs), toilet and shower
wheelchairs, prone mobility carts and other unique mobility
devices.
Excludes: Ambulation aids
Source: GTD Project Team

1.1.4 manual wheeled mobility Wheeled mobility device used by an individual with mobility
device (MMD) limitations that relies on an occupant or attendant to
manual mobility device provide manual power for its operation. Includes manual
wheelchairs, adapted stretchers or prone carts.
Excludes: Ambulation aids, power mobility devices
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide
 20

Term Definition

1.1.5 power wheeled mobility Wheeled mobility device used by an individual with mobility
device (PMD) limitations that relies on power control for its operation.
power mobility device Includes power wheelchairs, scooters (POVs) and other
devices such as powered prone carts.
Excludes: Ambulation aids, manual mobility devices
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

1.1.6 wheelchair Wheeled mobility device with a seating support system for
a person with impaired mobility, intended to provide
mobility in a seated position as its primary function.
Includes manual and power wheelchairs
Excludes: Devices such as prone mobility carts that provide
mobility in a non-seated position.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.11

1.2 Manual Mobility Devices

Term Definition

1.2.1 manual wheelchair (MWC) Wheelchair which relies on an occupant or an assistant

for manual propulsion.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.12

1.2.2 standard upright manual Manual wheelchair with two propelling wheels and no
wheelchair variable positioning options such as tilt or recline.
standard manual wheelchair Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide and ISO
Deprecated: 7176-26, 4.13
handrim-drive manual wheelchair

1.2.2.1 standard manual Standard upright manual wheelchair that has no

wheelchair with NON- adjustability in frame or seat height.
adjustable frame
Note: Some wheelchairs may have adjustable arm and/or
foot supports.
Source: GTD Project Team

1.2.2.2 standard manual Standard upright manual wheelchair that has the ability to
wheelchair with SINGLE- adjust the vertical location of the wheel axle and casters
adjustment frame the same amount in order to change seat to floor height,
with no other frame adjustments possible.
Source: GTD Project Team
 21

Term Definition

1.2.2.3 standard manual Standard upright manual wheelchair with limited ranges
wheelchair with MINIMAL- of frame adjustments, which can include limited rear
adjustment frame wheel axle and caster housing adjustments to allow
changes in overall seat to floor height as well as front
versus rear seat to floor height to create an inclined seat
frame. These wheelchairs may also include back support
angle adjustments.
Source: GTD Project Team

1.2.2.4 fully configurable Standard upright manual wheelchair with adjustable

standard manual frame geometry that allows for optimal configuration for
wheelchair the occupant, with a larger range of adjustment of front
and rear seat to floor heights as well as horizontal rear
axle adjustment. Wheelchairs in this category are also
available in multiple seat dimensions of 1” increments to
achieve custom fit and a wide range of front frame
geometry and foot support options. Includes wheelchairs
which have a wide range of adjustability in the field, as
well as those with welded frames containing minimal
adjustability in the field.
Source: GTD Project Team

1.2.3 sport specific manual Manual wheelchair specifically designed for participation
wheelchair in a sport (e.g. racing, tennis, rugby, basketball).
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

1.2.4 variable positioning manual Manual wheelchair that has the ability to provide the
wheelchair occupant alternative positions to upright sitting, including
tilt, recline, combination of tilt and recline, lateral tilt or
standing. These wheelchairs typically have dependent
mobility bases (4 small wheels, designed to be propelled
by an attendant), however some have options for a
standard mobility base with two larger propulsion wheels.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

1.2.4.1 manual wheelchair with Variable positioning manual wheelchair with a

recline mechanism that allows the back support to pivot
posteriorly, increasing the seat to back support angle.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

1.2.4.2 manual wheelchair with Variable positioning manual wheelchair with a

tilt mechanism that allows the seat to tilt posteriorly without
changing the seat to back support angle.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide
 22

Term Definition

1.2.4.3 manual wheelchair with Variable positioning manual wheelchair with a

tilt and recline mechanism that allows the back support to pivot
(increasing the seat to back support angle) and/or the
seat to pivot (without a change in seat to back support
angle).
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

1.2.4.4 manual wheelchair with Variable positioning manual wheelchair with a

lateral tilt mechanism that allows lateral tilting of the seating
support system in the frontal plane.
Source: GTD Project Team

1.2.4.5 manual standing Variable positioning manual wheelchair capable of

wheelchair transporting an occupant in a seated position that also
has the capability to raise and maintain the occupant in a
Deprecated: standing position.
stand-up wheelchair Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26-4.1.17, and Breaux, et al.

1.2.4.6 dependent pediatric Variable positioning manual wheelchair specifically

variable positioning designed for pediatric occupant that has a dependent
wheelchair ‘stroller-style’ mobility base with no options for large
propulsion wheels. These wheelchairs have either an
integrated or removable seating system with multiple
positioning component options, and with the capacity for
growth.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

1.2.5 transport wheelchair Lightweight manual wheelchair designed for propulsion

Deprecated: by an attendant with no large propulsion wheels that is
push wheelchair, push chair foldable and has upholstery seating. Includes adult
transport chair transport wheelchairs and pediatric adaptive strollers with
rollabout chair limited positioning components.
companion chair Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

1.2.5.1 aisle wheelchair Transport wheelchair intended to be used in narrow

aisles such as on aircraft.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.17

1.2.5.2 adult transport wheelchair Transport wheelchair designed for an adult occupant that
Deprecated: is foldable with integrated upholstery seating.
push wheelchair, push chair Source: CATOR Terminology Guide
transport chair
rollabout chair
companion chair
 23

Term Definition

1.2.5.3 pediatric adaptive stroller Transport wheelchair designed for a pediatric occupant
pediatric transport that is foldable with integrated upholstery seating.
wheelchair Positioning features, if available, are integrated with, or
Deprecated: added to, the upholstery seating; it is not designed to
stroller accept separate specialized seating or positioning
push wheelchair, push chair components.
transport chair Source: Adapted from Breaux, et al.
rollabout chair
companion chair

1.2.6 ADL- specific manual Manual wheelchair whose primary function is not to
wheelchair provide mobility, but rather to support a specific ADL
function, such as showering, bathing or toileting. Includes
shower wheelchairs and toilet wheelchairs.
Source: GTD Project Team

1.2.6.1 shower wheelchair ADL-specific manual wheelchair intended to be used in

Deprecated: the shower.
shower chair Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.1.15

1.2.6.2 toilet wheelchair ADL-specific manual wheelchair intended to be used over

Deprecated: a toilet.
toilet chair Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.1.16

1.2.7 other manual mobility Manual mobility device designed to provide mobility in a
devices position other than sitting. Includes prone carts and
adapted stretchers.
Excludes: Manual wheelchairs
Source: GTD Project Team

1.3 Power Mobility Devices

Term Definition

1.3.1 power wheelchair (PWC) Wheelchair in which the motor power is derived from an
Deprecated: integral source of electric power.
electrically powered wheelchair Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.18
electric wheelchair
powered chair, power chair
powered wheelchair
 24

Term Definition

1.3.2 power wheelchair with Power wheelchair with a seating system and drive system
integrated seating that cannot be separated.
Deprecated: Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.1.10
electrically powered wheelchair with
integral seat

1.3.3 powerbase wheelchair Power wheelchair with a powerbase (containing the drive
control system, batteries and wheels), which can be
separated from the seating system.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.3

1.3.4 specialty power wheelchair Power wheelchair with unique features designed for a
specific function. Includes power stair climbing wheelchair
and balancing wheelchair.

1.3.4.1 balancing wheelchair Power wheelchair that electronically maintains the

balance of the wheelchair.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.1.12

1.3.4.2 stair climbing wheelchair Power wheelchair capable of climbing stairs.

Source: GTD Task Group

1.3.5 scooter A power mobility device designed to provide mobility in a

POV – Power operated sitting position, with a platform style base that serves as
vehicle both the foot support and the structural support for the
wheels, seating system and steering mechanism. These
devices have a captain style seat and/or back support
without attached foot support, and a tiller to control
movement and steering functions. Includes 3-wheeled
scooters and 4-wheeled scooters.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide and ISO
7176-26, 4.19

1.3.6 other power mobility Power mobility device designed to provide mobility in a
devices position other than sitting. Includes power prone carts
and unique devices such as the Segway.
Excludes: Power wheelchairs and scooters
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide
 25

1.4 Wheelchair Operators

Term Definition

1.4.1 operator Person who operates the wheelchair.

Note: Can be either the occupant or the assistant
Source: 7176-26, 4.2.1

1.4.2 occupant Person sitting in the wheelchair.

Deprecated: Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.2.2
user
1.4.3 assistant Person, other than the occupant, who maneuvers the
Deprecated: wheelchair.
attendant Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.2.3
carer

1.5 Transportation of Occupied Wheelchairs

Term Definition

1.5.1 wheelchair-tiedown and Complete restraint system for wheelchair-seated

occupant-restraint system occupants comprised of equipment for wheelchair
(WTORS) tiedown and a belt type.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.1

1.5.2 occupant restraint System or device intended to restrain a motor-vehicle

occupant during an impact in order to prevent ejection,
and prevent or minimize contact with the vehicle interior
components and other occupants.
Note: Securement points may be located on hardware.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.16

1.5.3 forward facing Orientation in which the wheelchair-seated occupant

faces the front of the vehicle with the wheelchair
reference plane within ten degrees of the longitudinal axis
of the vehicle.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.2

1.5.4 rearward-facing Orientation in which the wheelchair-seated occupant

faces the back of the vehicle with the wheelchair
reference plane within ten degrees of the longitudinal axis
of the vehicle.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.3
 26

Term Definition

1.5.5 wheelchair tiedown Wheelchair securement device or system designed to

secure a forward-facing wheelchair in place in a motor
vehicle.
Note: The term wheelchair tiedown refers primarily to
systems that use straps. The term wheelchair
securement refers primarily to systems in which the
wheelchair is secured by a docking-type system that does
not require the use of straps or other manually operated
devices.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.4

1.5.6 four-point tiedown Wheelchair tiedown system that attaches to the

wheelchair frame at four separate securement points and
also attaches to the vehicle at four separate anchor
points.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.5

1.5.7 four-point strap-type Four-point tiedown that uses four strap assemblies to
tiedown secure the wheelchair in the vehicle.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.6

1.5.8 clamp-type tiedown Method of wheelchair tiedown that uses mechanical

linkages and/or grips that require manual positioning of
the end-fittings on the wheelchair.
Note: Tightening of the tiedown on the wheelchair may be
either by manual effort or by an external power source
that is operated by an electrical switch.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.7

1.5.9 docking-type tiedown Method of wheelchair tiedown by which portions of the

wheelchair structure, or add-on components fastened to
the wheelchair, align, mate and engage with a docking
tiedown device fastened to the vehicle, upon
maneuvering of the wheelchair into position in the
vehicle.
Note: Securement of the wheelchair can occur
automatically during wheelchair engagement, or could
require manual intervention through operation of a
mechanical lever or electrical switch. Release of the
wheelchair will usually require operation of a mechanical
lever or electrical switch.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.8
 27

Term Definition

1.5.10 docking tiedown device Assembly of fixtures and components designed for
docking securement device installation in motor vehicles for the purpose of securing a
wheelchair by engaging with, and locking onto,
securement points on the wheelchair frame or on
wheelchair securement adaptors attached to the
wheelchair frame.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.9

1.5.11 universal docking interface Specifications for the size, shape, and location of
geometry wheelchair securement points, including surrounding
(UDIG) clear zones, intended for use with a variety of docking
tiedown devices installed in a wide range of vehicles.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.10

1.5.12 strap Length of webbing material used in a wheelchair tiedown.

Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.11

1.5.13 wheelchair tiedown Hardware that is attached temporarily or permanently to

adaptor the wheelchair frame to accommodate wheelchair
wheelchair securement securement by a wheelchair tiedown device.
adaptor Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.12

1.5.14 anchor point Point (area) on a vehicle interior component, floor, or wall
to which an anchorage is attached.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 26, 4.11.13

1.5.15 anchorage Assembly of components and fittings by which loads are

transferred directly from the wheelchair tiedown to the
vehicle, or from the occupant restraint to the vehicle, or
wheelchair, or wheelchair tiedown, or vehicle interior
component.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.14

1.5.16 securement points Points on the wheelchair to which wheelchair tiedowns

are connected.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.15

1.5.17 three-point belt Occupant-restraint assembly comprised of both a pelvic

belt and a shoulder belt that connect together near the
Deprecated: hip of the occupant.
three-point restraint
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.17
 28

Term Definition

1.5.18 shoulder belt Portion of the occupant restraint intended to limit

movement of the chest and head by application of
Deprecated: restraint forces to the shoulders and chest.
upper torso restraint
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.18

1.5.19 pelvic belt Belt restraint assembly intended to limit movement of the
lap belt pelvis.
Deprecated: Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.19
lap restraint
pelvic restraint

1.5.20 head restraint Device intended to limit rearward displacement of the

wheelchair occupant’s head.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.20

1.5.21 restraint harness Occupant-restraint assembly consisting of at least one

belt designed to provide pelvic restraint and two belts that
restrain the upper torso by applying forces to both
shoulders.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.21

1.5.22 belt Length of webbing material used as part of an occupant

restraint or postural support device.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.22

1.5.23 airbag Supplemental occupant-restraint system, consisting

primarily of a sensor or sensors, diagnostics, inflators(s),
and module(s), which inflates a bag in certain types of
vehicle crashes to assist in preventing the occupant(s)
Deprecated: from impacting the interior portions of the vehicle.
inflatable restraint system
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.11.23
 29

Section 2.0 WHEELCHAIR COMPONENTS AND FEATURES

2.1 Basic Frame Components and Styles

Term Definition

2.1.1 wheeled mobility base Supporting structure of the wheelchair that includes the
mobility base drive or propulsion system and wheels, excluding the
seating system.
Source: Physical Rehabilitation (2014)

2.1.2 wheelchair frame Wheeled mobility base of a manual or power wheelchair

that has a tubular frame construction, including the seat
rail, back posts, arm support assembly, foot support
assembly and wheels.
Excludes: Integrated or non-integrated seating system
components.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.1.3 dependent wheelchair frame Wheelchair frame designed for attendant propulsion, with
dependent mobility base 4 small caster wheels and no large propulsion wheels.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.1.4 folding frame Frame with components under the seat which can be
collapsed.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide, and ISO
7176-26, 4.1.14

2.1.5 rigid frame Frame with components under the seat that are fixed and
non-foldable.
Note: Some rigid frame wheelchairs have fold-down back
posts.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide, and ISO
7176-26, 4.1.13

2.1.6 back post Vertical component of the wheelchair frame that is

attached to the seat rail and provides the structure for the
back support.
Source GTD Project Team

2.1.7 seat rail Horizontal component of the wheelchair frame that

seat frame provides the structure for the seat.
Source: GTD Project Team
 30

Term Definition

2.1.8 arm support assembly Combination of the arm support and its attachment and/or
mounting hardware, as a unit.

Deprecated: Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO WG11-
armrest assembly 211 PSD Definitions

2.1.9 lower leg support assembly Combination of the lower leg frame, lower leg support
Deprecated: and foot support, and their mounting and/or attachment
footrest assembly hardware, as a unit.
front rigging Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.12
hanger
legrest
legrest assembly

2.1.10 powerbase Wheeled mobility base of a powerbase wheelchair that

contains the drive system, batteries and wheels, and
which can be separated from the seating system.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.3

2.1.11 captain’s chair A one or two-piece automotive-style seat mounted on a

rigid seat frame, with cushioning material in both the seat
and back support components, covered in cloth, vinyl,
leather or equivalent as upholstery, and designed to
serve as a complete seating support system for the user.
It may have arm supports that can be fixed, swingaway,
or detachable. It may or may not have a head support,
either integrated or separate.
Note: A captain’s chair is a type of integrated seating
Deprecated:
system used in some power wheelchairs.
captains seat
van style seat Source: Adapted from Medicare LCD Definitions

2.1.12 non-adjustable rehab seat Seating and seat frame system for power wheelchairs or
scooters that includes a solid seat pan, pre-contoured
upholstered padded back support and flip up, padded
arm supports that has minimal ability to make
adjustments to the configuration of the seat frame
dimensions or angles.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.1.13 adjustable rehab seat Seat frame system for power wheelchairs that includes a
frame solid seat pan and back posts (may or may not include
pre-contoured, upholstered back support) with
adjustability of seat to back support angle and seat frame
depth. Also accommodates use of additional postural
support devices and multiple styles of arm support and/or
lower leg support assemblies.
Source: GTD Project Team
 31

2.2 Back Post Components and Styles

Term Definition

2.2.1 fixed back posts Back posts that are welded to the seat frame and not
removable, they may be straight or have an 8 degree
bend near the top of the post.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.2.2 angle adjustable back posts Back post that is bolted to the seat frame and allows the
angle between the seat rail and the back post to be
changed.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.2.3 depth adjustable back posts Back posts that are bolted to the seat frame and allow the
back support to be moved forward or backward to
increase or decrease the available seat frame depth of
the wheelchair. These back posts are also angle
adjustable.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.2.4 height adjustable back Back posts that have a top portion which can be raised or
posts lowered. Back post receivers are usually welded to the
seat frame and do not allow change in back post angle.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.2.5 fold-down back posts Back posts that fold down for transportability.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.2.6 dynamic back posts Back posts that have a mechanism (either polymer or
spring) which allows passive rearward movement of the
back posts within a range, initiated by the occupant’s
movements. Typically they are designed to return to a
baseline orientation when the force is reduced or
removed.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.2.7 rigidizer bar Horizontal bar that connects the right and left back posts
to each other, either through permanent welds to the
back posts or a bolt-on mechanism.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.2.8 back post release Mechanism that allows the back posts to be folded
mechanism forward for transportation.
Source: GTD Project Team
 32

Term Definition

2.2.9 push handle Component designed to be grasped by the hand of an

Deprecated: assistant to propel or tip the wheelchair.
push brace Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.4.19

2.2.10 add-on push handle Push handle that is bolted onto the back post or rigidizer
bar of a wheelchair, may be foldable, adjustable or fixed.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.2.11 handgrip Material covering on the push handle where the hand
grasps.
Note: The handgrip may be integrated with or separate
from the push handle.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.4.20

2.2.12 stroller handle Horizontal extension to the standard push handles,

connecting the right and left sides, which may be
adjustable or non-adjustable, fixed or removable.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.3 Other Wheelchair Frame Options and Accessories

Term Definition

2.3.1 anti-tip device Device that limits the extent of tipping of a wheelchair and
Deprecated: that may operate in forward, rearward or lateral directions
anti-tipper of instability.
anti-tipping lever Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.4.21

2.3.2 clothing guard Component that provides a barrier between the occupant
Deprecated: and the wheel.
arm support panel Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.7.30
armrest panel
skirt guard

2.3.3 spoke guards Plastic disks that are attached to and cover the spokes.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.3.4 suspension Mechanism of a device that is intended to reduce

vibration.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide
 33

Term Definition

2.3.5 frame suspension system Features with shock absorbing properties (springs or
elastomers) that are added to a wheelchair frame, either
at the seat and frame interface, or at the frame and wheel
interface.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.3.6 caster suspension system An elastomer shock absorber located in the caster fork.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.4 Drive System Type

Term Definition

2.4.1 one-arm drive Type of manual wheelchair propulsion system that has
two hand rims located on one of the drive wheels,
designed to allow for propulsion with one arm.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.4.2 lever-drive Type of manual wheelchair propulsion system that uses a

lever or levers to propel and steer the wheelchair.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.1.4

2.4.3 geared hub drive Type of manual wheelchair propulsion system that has a
gear mechanism on the drive wheel that allows a user to
select the level of force propulsion (low or high gear ratio)
appropriate for different preferences and environmental
conditions.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.4.4 handrim-activated power- Type of manual wheelchair propulsion operated with a

assist drive combination of human power and electrical power, where
the activation of the electrical power is through
Deprecated: application of a torque, displacement or force to the
power assist handrim or handrims.
pushrim-activated power assist
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.5

2.4.5 power add-on unit Component that converts a manual wheelchair to a power
wheelchair.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.4.6 direct drive Power wheelchair drive system in which the motor is
directly coupled to the wheels, through a gear box.
Source: Cook & Hussey (2008)
 34

Term Definition

2.4.7 friction drive Power wheelchair drive system that applies a driving
force through a roller, attached to a motor that is pressed
against a tire on power wheelchairs. This type of drive
system was often used in older power add-on units.
Source: Cook & Hussey (2008)

2.4.8 belt/chain drive Power wheelchair drive system that uses a belt or chain
to connect a pulley on the wheel axle to the motor pulley.
This type of drive system was used on older wheelchairs,
and has mostly been replaced by direct drive systems.
Source: Adapted from Cook & Hussey (2008)

2.5 Wheels and Steering

Term Definition

2.5.1 drive wheel Wheel that transmits drive power and guides the
wheelchair, but does not steer.
Example: Large propulsion wheels in a standard upright
manual wheelchair; rear wheels of a rear-wheel drive
scooter with a pivot wheel in front.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.5.1

2.5.2 maneuvering wheel One of a pair of wheels that are attached to the left and
right side of the wheelchair, which transmits drive power,
guides the wheelchair, and steers the wheelchair by
rotating with different speed and/or direction.
Example: The wheels with handrims on a standard
upright manual wheelchair that also has casters.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.5.2

2.5.3 guide wheel Wheel that guides the wheelchair but does not transmit
drive power and does not steer.
Example: Rear wheels of a front-wheel drive scooter with
a pivot drive wheel in front are guide wheels.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.5.3
 35

Term Definition

2.5.4 pivot wheel Wheel that steers the wheelchair by changing its
orientation to the wheelchair frame, but does not transmit
drive power.
Example: Wheel at the end of the tiller of a three-wheeled
scooter, which is driven by its two rear wheels.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.5.4

2.5.5 pivot drive wheel Wheel that transmits drive power and that steers the
wheelchair by changing its angular orientation to the
wheelchair frame.
Example: A front wheel drive scooter has a pivot drive
wheel in the front.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.5.5

2.5.6 caster wheel Small wheels that are in contact with the ground during
normal operation of the wheelchair and cannot be used
for arm propulsion. They have a horizontal axle that
swivels about a vertical axis.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.5.6 and CATOR
Terminology Guide

2.5.7 caster assembly Combination of the caster wheel, caster wheel axle,
caster fork, caster stem, caster stem housing, bearings
and tires.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.5.7

2.5.8 caster fork Component of the caster assembly to which the caster
wheel is connected, comes in a variety of sizes
dependent on wheelchair type.
Note: A caster fork does not necessarily have a fork
Deprecated: design.
caster support Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.5.8

2.5.9 caster fork adjustment Refers to the height adjustability of the caster, either fixed
height or adjustable height, and in conjunction with the
caster size and caster stem size, provides a variety of
different seat heights dependent on wheelchair type.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.10 caster stem Shaft that the caster fork is attached to that fits into the
caster stem housing and allows the caster fork, caster
wheel and caster wheel axle to rotate about a vertical
axis.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.5.9
 36

Term Definition

2.5.11 caster stem housing Component of the caster assembly which is connected to
the wheelchair frame and contains the bearings in which
the caster stem rotates.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.5.10

2.5.12 caster housing adjustment Refers to the angle adjustability of the caster housing.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.13 trailing position Alignment of the caster wheel relative to the wheelchair.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.6.10

2.5.14 forward trailing position Trailing position when the wheelchair is driving straight
ahead in the forward direction.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.6.11

2.5.15 rearward trailing position Trailing position when the wheelchair is driving straight
backwards.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.6.12

2.5.16 axle plate Plate mounted to the rear frame of the wheelchair that
provides adjustment of the rear wheel either vertically or
horizontally as well as camber adjustment to improve
wheel access and ergonomics for occupant.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.5.17 quick-release axles Type of axle in which depression of the center button of
the rear wheel axle allows the wheel to be removed from
the frame.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.18 rear wheel axle Refers to the adjustability of the rear wheel location,
adjustability either adjustable vertically, horizontally or both.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.19 handrim Outer, circular component of the maneuvering wheel

intended for propelling a manual wheelchair with an
Deprecated: upper limb.
pushrim
Source: 7176-26, 4.5.11

2.5.20 handrim type Refers to the style or type of material of the handrim such
as: anodized aluminum, chrome, foam coated, vinyl or
plastic-coated, titanium, contoured/ergonomic or with
projection knobs.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide
 37

Term Definition

2.5.21 handrim spacers Structures, often called ‘tabs’, placed in between the
handrim and the wheel rim in order to create space for
the fingers.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.5.22 contoured handrims The span between the wheel rim and the handrim is
ergonomic handrims enclosed to allow contact of the user’s palm with the hand
rim.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.23 handrim with projection Handrim that includes either ‘vertical’ projections that
knobs extend straight up from the handrim or ‘oblique’
projections that are angled at approximately 45 degrees
to the side.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.24 spoke wheel Type of wheel in which the hub and wheel rim are
connected by steel or aluminum spokes.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.25 mag wheel Type of wheel in which the hub and wheel rim are
connected by molded plastic with three or more spokes in
a solid place.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.26 high performance wheel Type of wheel made of lightweight materials (e.g. carbon
fiber) that aid in shock absorption and increase strength
of wheel.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.27 pneumatic tire Type of tire with an air-filled inner tube.

Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.28 semi-pneumatic tire Type of tire with a solid rubber or plastic insert that allows
the wheelchair to continue to move if the pneumatic tire is
punctured.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.5.29 solid tire Type of tire that has no insert and consists of hard plastic
or rubber.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide
 38

Term Definition

2.5.30 airless insert Pneumatic tire insert filled with foam or other material
instead of air (also referred to as flat-free or no-flat tires).
Source: Adapted from Cook & Hussey (2008)

2.5.31 steering system Combination of parts, mechanical and/or electrical, that

control the direction of travel of the wheelchair.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.46

2.5.32 tiller Bar fitted to a pivot wheel(s), for turning the pivot wheel(s)
in steering.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.4.7

2.6 Wheel Dimensional Characteristics

Term Definition

2.6.1 wheel axle horizontal Horizontal distance in the anterior-posterior direction from
location the front of the wheelchair back post to the center of the
Deprecated: drive wheel axle.
horizontal location of wheel axle Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.6.5
center of gravity
center of gravity adjustment

2.6.2 wheel axle vertical location Vertical distance from the front of the wheelchair back
post at top of seat rail to the center of the drive wheel
axle.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.6.6

2.6.3 rear wheel spacing Horizontal distance between the outside edge of the
wheelchair back post and the inside edge of the drive
wheel tire, measured at the top of the tire.
Note: This linear dimension defines the amount of space
between the back posts and the drive wheel.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.6.4 wheel diameter Outer diameter of the wheel.

Deprecated: Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.6.1
propelling wheel diameter
 39

Term Definition

2.6.5 handrim diameter Outer diameter of the entire handrim.

Note: The handrim diameter is not the smaller diameter of
the handrim tube.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.6.2

2.6.6 handrim spacer length Length of the handrim spacer, which determines the
space between the outside of the wheel rim and the
Deprecated: inside of the handrim.
tab length Source: GTD Project Team

2.6.7 camber Alignment of a wheel in the frontal plane (front view),

expressed as the angle between vertical and a plane
perpendicular to the axis of the wheel.
Note: Camber is usually expressed in degrees. Camber is
negative if the top of the wheel is angled inward, zero if
the wheel is vertical, and positive if the top of the wheel is
angled outward.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.6.3

2.6.8 toe Alignment of a wheel in the transverse plane (top view),

expressed as the angle between the forward longitudinal
x-axis of the Wheelchair Axis System and a plane
perpendicular to the axis of the wheel.
Note 1: Toe is a measurement of how much a pair of
wheels (typically the drive wheels) are turned in or out
from a straight-ahead position. When the wheels are
turned in, toe is positive (+). When the wheels are turned
out, toe is negative (-).
Deprecated: Note 2: Toe is usually expressed in degrees. A non-zero
toe-in value of toe usually indicates a misalignment.
toe-out
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.6.4

2.6.9 caster cant Angle between the caster stem and vertical, measured in
the frontal plane as viewed from the front.
Note 1: Caster cant is usually expressed in degrees.
Caster cant is negative if the top of the caster stem is
angled inwards, zero if the caster stem is in line with the
vertical, and negative if the top of the caster stem is
angled outwards.
Note 2: A non-zero value of caster cant usually indicates
a misalignment.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.6.8
 40

Term Definition

2.6.10 caster rake Angle between the caster stem and vertical in the fore-aft
direction, measured in the sagittal plane as viewed from
the side.
Note 1: Caster rake is usually expressed in degrees.
Caster rake is positive if the top of the caster stem is in
front of the bottom, zero if the caster stem is aligned with
the vertical, and negative if the top of the caster stem is
behind the bottom.
Note 2: A non-zero value of caster rake usually indicates
a misalignment.
Deprecated:
caster stem angle Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.6.7

2.7 Wheel Location

Term Definition

2.7.1 power drive wheel location Refers to the fore-aft location of the wheel that is directly
controlled by the motor in a power wheelchair.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.7.1.1 rear-wheel drive Power drive wheel location in which the drive wheels are
in the rear of the wheelchair, with caster wheels in front
and anti-tip wheels posterior to the drive wheels
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.7.1.2 mid-wheel drive Power drive wheel location in which the drive wheels are
in the middle of three pairs of wheels, with caster wheels
both in front and behind the drive wheels.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.7.1.3 center-wheel drive Type of mid-wheel drive in which the drive wheels are
located in the center and equidistant from the front and
rear caster wheels.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.7.1.4 front-wheel drive Power drive wheel location in which the drive wheels are
located forward of the center of gravity of the power
wheelchair with caster wheels in the rear of the chair.
Note: Front wheel drive power wheelchairs may have
anti-tip wheels in front of the drive wheels.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide
 41

Term Definition

2.7.2 manual drive wheel Refers to the fore-aft location of the propelling wheel in a
configuration manual wheelchair designed for independent propulsion.
Includes standard rear-wheel propulsion, front-wheel
propulsion, mid-wheel propulsion and reversible
propulsion.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.7.2.1 rear-wheel propulsion Manual drive wheel configuration in which the propulsion
Deprecated: wheels are located at the rear of the wheelchair.
standard configuration Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.7.2.2 mid-wheel propulsion Manual drive wheel configuration in which the propulsion
wheels are located in the middle of three sets of wheels,
with caster wheel(s) in front of and behind the drive
wheels.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.7.2.3 front-wheel propulsion Manual drive wheel configuration in which the propulsion
wheels are located at the front of the wheelchair for
Deprecated: improved maneuverability.
reverse configuration Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.7.2.4 reversible propulsion Manual drive wheel configuration which is adjustable,

allowing the location of the propelling wheel to be
reversed from a standard rear-wheel propulsion to front-
wheel propulsion.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.8 Braking, Motors and Batteries

Term Definition

2.8.1 wheel lock Means of keeping a wheelchair stationary that does not
parking brake require continuous force from the operator and does not
require continuous power from the wheelchair. Includes
push to lock, pull to lock or retractable scissor locks.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.16

2.8.2 push-to-lock wheel locks Wheel locks that are mounted to the upper tube of the
wheelchair side frame. Pushing action engages the lock.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide
 42

Term Definition

2.8.3 pull-to-lock wheel locks Wheel locks that are mounted to the upper tube of the
wheelchair side frame. Pulling action of the lever toward
the user engages the lock.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.8.4 retractable (scissor) wheel Wheel locks with a scissor or ‘butterfly’ design that are
locks mounted under the wheelchair seat frame or to the lower
tube of the side frame.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.8.5 attendant operated wheel Wheel lock mechanism designed to be engaged by an

lock attendant and out of reach of the occupant.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.8.6 wheel lock extension Accessory that lengthens the lever of the wheel lock
handle.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.8.7 automatic brake Brake that applies automatically after the power
wheelchair stops and/or when no power is supplied to the
wheelchair.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.17

2.8.8 running brake Means of stopping or slowing the wheelchair.

Note: The running brake may include one or more of the
following types of brake: dynamic brake, regenerative
brake and friction brake (either fail-safe or manually
applied).
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.4.18

2.8.9 motor Component of the drive system of a power wheelchair

that receives signal from the power wheelchair controller
and translates it into rotation of the drive wheels.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.8.10 two-pole motors Type of motor in which the electricity enters the motors
through two points. This type of motor is installed in
power wheelchairs intended for indoor use because of
their lower torque.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide
 43

Term Definition

2.8.11 four-pole motors Type of motor in which the electricity enters the motors
through four points and is installed in power wheelchairs
intended for indoor and outdoor use because of their
greater power.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.8.12 gearless brushless motor Type of motor which has fewer moving mechanical parts
with improved durability, efficiency and reduced operating
noise.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.8.13 tracking technology Motor technology that helps a power wheelchair to travel
in a true forward direction on various terrains. Commonly
used with alternative drive controls, but can be used with
a joystick input device.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.8.14 battery pack Removable battery compartment that contains one or

more batteries.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.4.23

2.8.15 battery size Refers to the group size of the battery (i.e., based on the
batteries dimensions). Examples include Group 22,
Group 24 and U1 batteries.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.8.16 on-board battery charger Battery charger that is built into a power mobility device
and cannot be removed without the use of tools.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.26

2.8.17 off-board battery charger Free-standing, self-contained battery charger separate

from the power mobility device.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.27

2.8.18 carry-on battery charger Off-board battery charger intended for transportation on a
power mobility device.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.28
 44

2.9 Power Wheelchair User Interface

Term Definition

2.9.1 controller An electronic system or device including microprocessor

and other related electronics that retrieves and converts
input signals from the occupant into output signals that
activate powered components of the wheelchair.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.4.2 and CATOR
Terminology Guide

2.9.1.1 non-expandable controller Controller in which only a standard proportional joystick

can be used as the input device. It may have the ability to
control up to 2 power seating actuators through the drive
control and incorporate an attendant control.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.1.2 expandable controller Controller capable of accommodating standard and

alternative joysticks, non-proportional driver controls,
and/or operate 3 or more powered seating functions
through the input device. It may also be able to operate
other electronic devices, a separate display for alternate
drive control devices, and an attendant control.
Sources: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.2 drive control Refers to the characteristics and method by which the
occupant directs the speed and direction of travel of the
wheelchair.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.9.2.1 proportional (analog) A type of drive control in which a user’s drive command
drive control (a physical action initiated by the wheelchair user) is
transformed into a corresponding and comparative
movement, both in direction and in speed, of the
wheelchair.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.2.2 non-proportional (digital) A device that transforms a user’s discrete drive command
drive control (a physical action initiated by the wheelchair user, such
as activation of a switch) into perceptually discrete
changes in the wheelchair’s speed, direction, or both.
Selecting a switch determines the direction of the
wheelchair, but speed and acceleration are pre-
programmed.
Source: Adapted from Medicare LCD Definitions
 45

Term Definition

2.9.2.3 standard drive control A type of drive control in which the occupant uses a
standard proportional joystick to drive the power
wheelchair.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.9.2.4 alternative drive control A type of drive control or input device, other than a
standard proportional joystick, used to operate a power
wheelchair. An alternative drive control system may
include proportional input devices such as alternative
joysticks or touch pads, or non-proportional input devices
such as switched joysticks, mechanical or electronic
switch arrays or sip-n-puff device. Alternative drive
control system can only be used on power wheelchairs
that accommodate expandable electronics.
Source: Adapted from Breaux, et al.

2.9.2.5 mechanical switch drive A type of non-proportional digital drive control in which
control the user activates mechanical switch(es) through direct
pressure and the switch selected determines the direction
of the wheelchair.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.2.6 electronic switch drive A type of non-proportional digital drive control in which
control electronic switches are activated by movement, rather
than direct contact, and the switch selected determines
the direction of the wheelchair. Includes use of fiber optic
and proximity switches.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.3 input device Component which serves as the interface between the
occupant and the controller by which the occupant
operates the powered features of the wheelchair, such as
driving at a desired speed and/or direction, as well as
operating seat functions.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.3.1 standard proportional Proportional input device with a lever that has an infinite
joystick 360 degree range of movement, such that the range and
direction of movement of the lever results in a
corresponding movement of the wheelchair in both speed
and direction.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide
 46

Term Definition

2.9.3.2 alternative joystick Proportional joystick that requires smaller range and force
to deflect the lever.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.3.3 non-proportional joystick Non-proportional input device with a lever that moves in a
switched joystick limited number of discrete directions (usually 4 or 8), such
that movement of the lever in a specific direction
determines the direction of travel of the wheelchair, but
the speed is preprogrammed.
Source: Adapted from Cook & Hussey (2008)

2.9.3.4 sip-n-puff device A non-proportional digital input device and system that
activates power to the motors with two signals: a blowing
action (puff) and sucking action (sip). By modulating the
sip and puff signals, 4 directions of movement can be
achieved.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.3.5 touch-pad (tablet control) A type of proportional input device similar to a mouse pad
on a laptop computer.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.9.4 latched switch control A programmable feature of a non-proportional drive

control system in which the motor turns on when the
switch is activated and released, and remains on until the
switch is activated again.
Source: Cook & Hussey (2008)

2.9.5 momentary switch control A programmable feature of a non-proportional drive

control system in which the motor is only activated while
the switch is pressed, requiring continued pressure or
activation for continued movement of the wheelchair.
Source: Cook & Hussey (2008)

2.9.6 stop switch A switch that allows for an emergency stop when a power
wheelchair with a non-proportional drive control is
operating in the latched mode.
Source: Adapted from Breaux, et al.
 47

2.10 Seat Frame Variable Positioning Features

Term Definition

2.10.1 type of manual tilt Refers to the location of the point of rotation, or pivot
point, of the tilt mechanism. Includes rear pivot tilt,
forward pivot tilt, center pivot tilt and floating pivot tilt.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.10.1.1 rear pivot tilt Type of tilt feature in a manual wheelchair with tit, in
which the point of rotation is located near the rear of the
wheelchair seat frame, thus achieving the desired tilt by
raising the front of the seat frame relative to the rear.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.10.1.2 forward pivot tilt Type of tilt feature in a manual wheelchair with tilt, in
which the point of rotation is located under the front of the
wheelchair seat frame, thus achieving the desired tilt by
lowering the rear of the seat frame relative to the front.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.10.1.3 center pivot tilt Type of tilt feature in a manual wheelchair with tilt, in
which the point of rotation is located under the center of
the wheelchair seat frame, thus achieving the desired tilt
by both raising the front of the seat frame and lowering
the rear of the seat frame.
Source: Adapted from Cook & Hussey (2008)

2.10.1.4 floating pivot tilt Type of tilt feature in a manual wheelchair with tilt,
created from springs and dampeners, which evenly
distributes the center of gravity through the wheel base
throughout the tilt range.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

2.10.2 power seat functions Electrically powered variable positioning features offered
in some powerbase wheelchairs which have a separate
seat frame.
Examples: Power recline, power tilt, power elevating
lower leg supports, power lateral tilt, power seat elevation
and power standing.
Source: GTD Project Team
 48

Term Definition

2.10.2.1 power recline A power seat function that allows the back support to
pivot posteriorly, increasing the seat to back support
angle.
Note: Power recline systems may also incorporate power
elevation of the lower leg support assembly.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.10.2.2 power tilt A power seat function that allows the seat to tilt
posteriorly without changing the seat to back support
angle or the seat to lower leg support angle.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.10.2.3 power lateral tilt A power seat function that allows lateral tilting of the
seating system in the frontal plane, changing the seat
frontal angle and back support frontal angle, without
changes to the seat to back support angle or seat to
lower leg support angle.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.10.2.4 power seat elevation A power seat function that allows raising and lowering the
whole seating system, changing the seat to floor height
without altering the angular orientation of the seating
supports.
Source: RESNA Position Paper-Seat Elevating Devices

2.10.2.5 power standing A power seat function that is capable of raising the
occupant from a seated to a standing position by
changing the orientation in space of all primary seating
support surfaces.
Source: GTD Project Team

2.10.3 memory seating A feature of some power seat function electronics in

which powered positioning sequences can be pre-set to
meet the occupant’s needs.
Source: CATOR Terminology Guide

2.10.4 power recline shear A feature of some power recline mechanisms in which a
reduction separate motor and/or a mechanical linkage moves the
back support up or down during the recline cycle, in order
to maintain height alignment with the occupant’s posterior
trunk through the arc of recline.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide
 49

Section 3.0 SEATING SUPPORT SYSTEM

3.1 Major Category Terms

Term Definition

3.1.1 body support system Items which together are intended to directly support or
contain the body of the occupant of a wheeled mobility
device, or other positioning device, intended for use in a
sitting, lying or standing position. A body support system
is comprised of individual postural support devices, and
may include a seat, back support, foot support and lateral
trunk supports, or a full body support surface such as a
mattress or nighttime positioning device.
Deprecated: Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.1 and ISO WG11-211
postural support system PSD Definitions

3.1.2 seating support system Body support system used in a device intended to
seating system support the occupant in a sitting position; specifically
those parts of a wheelchair, positioning chair or other
seated mobility device which are intended to directly
contact, support or contain the body of the occupant,
including the seat, back support, arm support, lower leg
support and foot support.
Deprecated: Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.1 and ISO 7176-26,
postural support system 4.7.2

3.1.3 postural support device A postural support device and its appropriate attachment
assembly and/or mounting hardware, as a unit.
Example: A head support assembly refers to the head
support plus its attachment and mounting hardware.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO WG11-
211 PSD Definitions

3.1.4 postural support device Structure, which is a component of a body support

(PSD) system, that has a surface intended to contact a part of
the occupant’s body and is used to perform one or more
functions including modifying or accommodating the
occupant’s posture, managing tissue integrity and/or
providing sensory input. Examples of postural support
devices used in a seating support system are the back
support, head support, medial knee support or lateral
trunk support.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.3 and ISO WG11-211
PSD Definitions
 50

Term Definition

3.1.5 postural support device Parts of a postural support device including the contact
component surface, support materials and support structure.
Example: A pre-contoured back support is typically
comprised of a foam pad (contact surface and support
materials) and a rigid shell (support structure)
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.6 and ISO WG11-211
PSD Definitions
3.1.6 contact surface
The part of the postural support device that is intended to
support surface
contact the occupant’s body.
contact face
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.7, ISO 16840-1 and
Waugh & Crane (2013)

3.1.7 postural support device Hardware that is attached to the postural support device
mounting hardware (PSD), usually onto the rigid supporting structure of the
PSD, which provides the interface to the attachment
hardware.
Note: Some PSDs are mounted directly to the wheelchair
or another PSD by their attachment hardware, without an
interfacing piece of mounting hardware.
Source: Adapted from ISO WG11-211 PSD Definitions

3.1.8 postural support device Hardware that attaches the postural support device
attachment hardware (PSD) to the wheelchair frame or another PSD via the
interfacing mounting hardware.
Source: Adapted from ISO WG11-211 PSD Definitions

3.1.9 integrated postural support Non-removable postural support device built into the
device structure of the wheelchair or other positioning device.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.4

3.1.10 integrated seating system Non-removable seating support system built into the
structure of the wheelchair frame or positioning device.
Source: Adapted from CATOR Terminology Guide

3.1.11 seating support surfaces All of the contact surfaces in a seating support system
intended to contact the occupant’s body.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)

3.1.12 primary support surfaces The contact surfaces of the postural support devices in a
seating support system that are the primary weight
bearing components, including the back support, seat,
arm supports and foot supports.
Source: Adapted from Physical Rehabilitation (2014)
 51

Term Definition

3.1.13 secondary support The contact surfaces of the postural support devices in a
surfaces seating support system that provide secondary support,
which may include the head support, lateral trunk
supports, medial and lateral knee supports, lateral thigh
supports, and anterior chest supports.
Source: Adapted from Physical Rehabilitation (2014)

3.2 General Postural Support Device Characteristics

Term Definition

3.2.1 recline To change the orientation of a posterior support (back

support, head support or lower leg support) in the sagittal
plane, in a rearward direction from a vertical position, so
that the top of the support is more posterior than the
bottom of the support.
Note: Reclining the back support by definition changes
both the back support sagittal angle and the seat to back
support angle.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.8.1

3.2.2 procline To change the orientation of a posterior support (back

support, head support or lower leg support) in the sagittal
plane, in a forward direction from a vertical position, so
that the top of the support is more forward than the
bottom of the support.
Source: Adapted from Ward (1994) and Waugh & Crane (2013)

3.2.3 incline To change the orientation of an inferior support (seat, arm

support or foot support) in the sagittal plane, in an upward
direction from a horizontal position, so that the front of the
support is higher than the back of the support.
Source: Adapted from Ward (1994) and Waugh & Crane (2013)

3.2.4 decline To change the orientation of an inferior support (seat, arm

support or foot support) in the sagittal plane, in a
downward direction from a horizontal position, so that the
front of the support is lower than the back of the support.
Source: Adapted from Ward (1994) and Waugh & Crane (2013)
 52

Term Definition

3.2.5 tilt To change the orientation of a wheelchair’s seating

support system in the sagittal plane while maintaining the
seat to back support angle and seat to lower leg support
Deprecated: angle constant.
tilt-in-space Source Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.8.2

3.2.6 planar A seating support surface which is flat when not loaded
Deprecated: with body weight.
linear Source: GTD Project Team

3.2.7 pre-contoured A seating support surface that is generically shaped, or

Deprecated: curved.
contoured Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.8.12

3.2.8 custom contoured A seating support surface that is uniquely shaped to

Deprecated: match the body contours of the wheelchair occupant.
molded Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.8.13

3.2.9 fixed Intended not to be moved, detached or adjusted.

Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.8.3

3.2.10 removable Capable of being detached without the use of tools.

Examples: Removable arm support assembly, removable
Deprecated: lower leg support assembly, removable wheel.
detachable Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.8.10

3.2.11 angle adjustable Intended to be repositioned by pivoting to a different

orientation or angle, with or without the use of tools.
Examples: Angle adjustable back support, angle
adjustable lateral support, angle adjustable lower leg
support assembly.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.8.7

3.2.12 flip-up Intended to be rotated upward out of position without the

use of tools, while remaining attached to the wheelchair
or seating support system.
Example: Flip up foot support
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.8.8
 53

Term Definition

3.2.13 flip-down Intended to be rotated downward out of position without

the use of tools, while remaining attached to the
wheelchair or seating support system.
Example: Flip-down medial knee support.
Source: GTD Project Team

3.2.14 swing-away Intended to be rotated inward and outward, moving into

and out of position without the use of tools while
remaining attached to the wheelchair or seating support
system.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.8.9

3.2.15 modular Composed of standardized units or sections for easy

construction or arrangement.
Note: The term is used to describe a postural support
device or wheelchair.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.8.11

3.2.16 occupant adjustable Intended to be adjusted, moved or set up by the occupant

Deprecated: without the use of tools.
user adjustable Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.8.4

3.2.17 assistant adjustable Intended to be adjusted, moved or set up by the assistant

without the use of tools.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.8.5

3.2.18 tool adjustable Intended to be adjusted, moved or set up with the use of
tools.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.8.6

3.2.19 tension adjustable Adjustable by cords or straps in order to change the

contour of the support surface.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.8.14
 54

3.3 Primary Seating Supports

Term Definition

3.3.1 seat Postural support device intended to contact and support

the inferior surface of the buttocks and thighs, whether
integrated or removable, to support the occupant in a
sitting position.
Deprecated:
seat bottom Note: A seat is a type of inferior support.
seat support Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.8

3.3.1.1 integrated wheelchair seat Non-removable seat built into the structure of the
wheelchair or other positioning device, which can be rigid
or non-rigid. Includes integrated sling seats and
integrated solid seats.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.4

3.3.1.2 integrated sling seat Integrated wheelchair seat consisting of flexible

sling seat upholstery material(s).
Note: Some sling seats are intended as a sitting surface
for the occupant, and others are intended to be a support
structure on which to place a seat cushion.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.16

3.3.1.3 integrated solid seat Integrated, rigid wheelchair seat (not consisting of flexible
upholstery material) intended to be a sitting surface for
the occupant.
Example: Captain’s chair
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.17

3.3.1.4 wheelchair seat pan Rigid structure integrated into or attached to the seat
frame of a wheelchair, intended to be a support structure
on which to place a seat cushion.

3.3.1.5 seat cushion Separate, removable seat intended to perform one or

more functions including modifying or accommodating the
occupant’s sitting posture, managing tissue integrity
Deprecated: and/or providing comfort.
seat pad
seat pillow Source: Adapted from ISO 77176-26, 4.7.15

3.3.1.6 solid seat insert Additional, removable support structure inserted below
Deprecated: the seat cushion, either inside or outside the cushion
solid insert cover, which is used without removing the integrated
rigid seat insert wheelchair seat sling.
rigidizer Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.20
sag compensator
 55

Term Definition

3.3.1.7 inclined seat A seat that is angled in the sagittal plane (fore-aft
Deprecated: direction), where the front of the seat is higher than the
seat dump back of the seat.
sloping seat Note: An inclined seat has a positive seat sagittal angle.
wedge seat
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.18

3.3.1.8 declined seat A seat that is angled in the sagittal plane (fore-aft
direction), where the front of the seat is lower than the
back of the seat.
Note: A declined seat has a negative seat sagittal angle.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013) and Ward (1994)

3.3.1.9 anti-thrust seat A seat with a pre-ischial support surface intended to

inhibit forward movement of the ischial tuberosities.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.19 and Sprigle, et al.
(2001)

3.3.1.10 pelvic contour area Describes area of depression at back of seat cushion,
intended for pelvic loading and/or to accommodate
Deprecated: buttock shape.
posterior well Source: GTD Project Team

3.3.2 back support (BS) Postural support device intended to contact the posterior
surface of the sacral, lumbar and/or thoracic segments of
the trunk to provide support to the torso.
Deprecated:
back Note 1: A back support is a type of posterior support, and
backrest is synonymous with the term “posterior trunk support”.
seat back Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.9

3.3.2.1 integrated wheelchair Non-removable back support built into the structure of the
back support wheelchair or other positioning device, which can be rigid
or non-rigid. Includes integrated sling back supports and
integrated solid back supports.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.4

3.3.2.2 integrated sling back Integrated back support consisting of flexible upholstery
support material(s).
sling back Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.21

3.3.2.3 integrated solid back Non-removable back support with a rigid surface that is
support intended to provide contact and support to the occupant’s
solid back support torso.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.22
 56

Term Definition

3.3.2.4 biangular back support A two-section back support with an angle in between the
lower and upper sections, where the lower back support
section is intended to contact the posterior surface of the
buttocks/pelvis, and the upper back support section is
intended to contact the posterior surface of the thoracic
area of the trunk.
Source: GTD Project Team

3.3.2.5 I-back Back support with a more narrow width in the middle to
allow lateral trunk supports to be adjusted inward without
using offset hardware or spacers.
Source: GTD Project Team

3.3.2.6 T-back Back support with a wider width at the top than at the
middle and lower portions.
Source: GTD Project Team

3.3.3 lower leg support (LLS) Postural support device intended to contact the posterior
surface of the lower leg to provide support.
Note: A lower leg support is a posterior support.
Deprecated: Example: Calf support
calf pad
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.11

3.3.4 foot support (FS) Postural support device intended to contact the inferior
Deprecated: surface of the foot to provide support to the foot and
foot board lower leg.
foot box Note: A foot support is an inferior support, and is
foot bucket synonymous with the term “inferior foot support”.
foot platform
footplate Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.10
footrest

3.3.5 arm support (AS) Postural support device intended to contact the inferior
surface of the forearm to provide support to the upper
extremity.
Note: An arm support is an inferior support, and is
synonymous with the term “inferior forearm support”.
Deprecated:
armrest Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.13

3.3.6 head support (HS) Postural support device intended to contact the posterior
surface of the head to provide support to the head.
Deprecated: Note: A head support is a posterior support, and is
headrest synonymous with the term “posterior head support”.
neck ring
occipital ring Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.7.14
 57

3.4 Secondary Seating Supports

Term Definition

3.4.1 anterior support Postural support device intended to contact the anterior
surface of a body segment.
Note: Anterior supports can be flexible or rigid.
Examples: Anterior trunk support, anterior knee support.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.7.23

3.4.1.1 anterior head support Postural support device intended to contact the anterior
side of the head.
Note: Anterior head supports can be flexible or rigid.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.23

3.4.1.2 anterior shoulder support Postural support device intended to contact the anterior
side of the shoulder.
Note: Anterior shoulder supports can be flexible or rigid.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.23

3.4.1.3 anterior trunk support Postural support device intended to contact the anterior
side of the trunk.
Note: Anterior trunk supports can be flexible or rigid.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.23

3.4.1.4 anterior pelvic support Postural support device intended to contact the anterior
side of the pelvic segment.
Note: Anterior pelvic supports can be flexible or rigid.
Examples: Pelvic positioning belt, rigid pelvic stabilizer
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.23

3.4.1.5 pelvic positioning belt A flexible anterior pelvic support designed to contact the
front part of the pelvis or hip area, intended to assist with
maintaining a specific position and orientation of the
Deprecated: pelvis.
pelvic strap
hip belt Source: Adapted from Breaux et al.

3.4.1.6 rigid pelvic stabilizer A rigid anterior pelvic support comprised of a single
padded bar or dual padded supports intended to be
positioned below the anterior superior iliac spines of the
pelvis, or proximal thighs.
Source: Adapted from Cook & Hussey (2008)
 58

Term Definition

3.4.1.7 anterior knee support Postural support device intended to contact the anterior
(AKS) surface of the knee area.
Deprecated: Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.23
knee block
knee strap

3.4.1.8 anterior lower leg support Postural support device intended to contact the anterior
surface of the lower leg.
Note: Anterior lower leg supports can be flexible or rigid.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.23

3.4.1.9 ankle strap A flexible anterior support intended to contact the front of
the ankle in order to help maintain the user’s foot on the
foot support.
Source: Adapted from Breaux et al.

3.4.2 posterior support Postural support device intended to contact the posterior
surface of a body segment.
Note: Posterior supports can be flexible or rigid.
Example: Back support, lower leg support, head support
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.7.24

3.4.2.1 posterior upper arm Postural support device intended to contact the posterior
support surface of the upper arm.
Deprecated: Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.24
elbow block
humeral block
protractor

3.4.2.2 posterior foot support Postural support device intended to contact the posterior
surface of the foot, behind the heel.
Note: Posterior foot supports can be rigid or flexible.
Example: Heel loop.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.24

3.4.3 medial support Postural support device intended to contact the medial
side of a body segment.
Note: A medial support can be flexible or rigid.
Examples: Medial knee support, medial foot support
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.7.25
 59

Term Definition

3.4.3.1 medial knee support Postural support device intended to contact the medial
(MKS) surface of one knee.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.25

3.4.3.2 medial knee support block Postural support device intended to contact the medial
Deprecated: surface of both the right and left knees.
pommel Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.25 and Physical
abductor Rehabilitation (2014)
abductor wedge

3.4.3.3 medial thigh support Postural support device intended to contact the medial
surface of the thigh.

Deprecated: Examples: Medial thigh strap, medial thigh support

leg adductor support surfaces in contoured seat cushion
leg dividing support Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.25 and Sprigle, et al.
(2001)

3.4.4 lateral support Postural support device intended to contact the lateral
surface of a body segment.
Note: A lateral support can be flexible or rigid.
Deprecated: Examples: Lateral trunk support, lateral knee support,
lateral pad lateral foot support
side support Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.7.26

3.4.4.1 lateral head support (LHS) Postural support device intended to contact the lateral
Deprecated: side of the head.
head side support Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.26
lateral headrest

3.4.4.2 lateral forearm support Postural support device intended to contact the lateral
surface of the forearm.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.26

3.4.4.3 lateral trunk support (LTS) Postural device intended to contact the lateral side of the
Deprecated: trunk.
body side support Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.26
lateral pad
lateral thoracic pad
lateral thoracic support
scoliosis pad
trunk pad
 60

Term Definition

3.4.4.4 lateral pelvic support Postural support device intended to contact the lateral
(LPS) side of the pelvic segment, defined as the region from the
Deprecated: posterior buttocks to slightly distal to the greater
hip block trochanter.
hip guide Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.26 and Sprigle, et
hip pad al.(2001)
lateral hip support

3.4.4.5 lateral thigh support Postural support device intended to contact the lateral
Deprecated: side of the thigh, in the region from just in front of the
adductor greater trochanter to just in front of the femoral condyle.
adductor pad Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.26 and Sprigle, et al.
adductor wedge (2001)
leg block
leg pad
leg strap
thigh block
thigh strap

3.4.4.6 lateral knee support (LKS) Postural support device intended to contact the lateral
Deprecated: surface of the knee, in the area of the lateral femoral
adductor condyle.
adductor pad Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.26
adductor strap

3.4.4.7 lateral lower leg support Postural support device intended to contact the lateral
side of the lower leg.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.26

3.4.5 superior support Postural support device intended to contact the superior
surface of a body segment.
Note: A superior support can be flexible or rigid.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.7.27

3.4.5.1 superior forearm support Postural support device intended to contact the superior
Deprecated: surface of the forearm.
forearm hook Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.27
forearm strap

3.4.5.2 superior thigh support Postural support device intended to contact the superior
Deprecated: surface of the thigh.
thigh strap Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.27
 61

Term Definition

3.4.5.3 superior foot support Postural support device intended to contact the superior
Deprecated: surface of the foot.
toe cup Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.27
toe loop

3.4.6 inferior support Postural support device intended to contact the inferior
surface of a body segment.
Note: An inferior support can be flexible or rigid.
Examples: Seat, foot support, arm support, inferior thigh
support, inferior pelvic support
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.7.28

3.4.6.1 inferior pelvic support Postural support device intended to contact the inferior
Deprecated: surface of the pelvic segment.
obliquity pad Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.28

3.4.6.2 inferior thigh support Postural support device intended to contact the inferior
Deprecated: surface of the thigh.
thigh wedge Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.28

3.4.6.3 arm trough An arm trough is a special type of inferior forearm support
that incorporates posterior, medial and/or lateral support
surfaces into a single postural support device intended to
support and contain the forearm.
Source: Breaux et al.

3.4.7 circumferential support Postural support device intended to contact a body

segment on at least three sides.
Note: Circumferential supports can be flexible or rigid.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.29

3.4.7.1 circumferential neck Postural support device intended to contact the neck on
support at least three sides.
Deprecated: Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.29
circumferential cervical support
collar

3.4.7.2 circumferential ankle Postural support device intended to contact the ankle on
support at least three sides.
Deprecated: Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.7.29
ankle hugger
 62

3.5 Materials and Material Properties Used in Seat Cushions

Term Definition

3.5.1 air A low density fluid with minimal resistance to flow.

Source: Draft RESNA SS-1Section 1 and NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.2 solid A substance that does not flow perceptibly under stress.
Under ordinary conditions retains its size and shape.
Source: NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.3 gel A semisolid system consisting of a network of solid

aggregates, colloidal dispersions, or polymers which may
exhibit elastic properties (can range from a hard gel to a
soft gel).
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1Section 1 and NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.4 viscous fluid A fluid with relatively high resistance to flow of fluid.
Source: NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.5 viscoelastic fluid A relatively incompressible substance that flows under

small stresses and exhibits both elastic and viscous
properties.
Source: NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.6 viscoelastic foam A type of porous polymer material which conforms in

proportion to the applied weight. The material exhibits
dampened elastic properties when load is applied.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.7 elastomer Any of various polymers having the elastic properties of

natural rubber, being able to resume its original shape
when a deforming force is removed.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.8 open cell foam Light weight cellular material resulting from the
introduction of gas bubbles into a reactive polymer. There
is no barrier between cells, and gases and liquids can
pass through.
Source: Adapted from Sprigle, et al. (2001) and Draft RESNA
SS-1 Section 1
 63

Term Definition

3.5.9 closed cell foam Light weight material resulting from the introduction of
gas bubbles into a reacting polymer. There is a barrier
between cells that prevents gases or liquids from passing
through.
Source: Adapted from Sprigle, et al. (2001) and NPUAP-SSSI
(2007)

3.5.10 elastic foam A resilient porous polymer material which deforms in

proportion to the applied weight and returns to its original
shape after a deforming force is removed.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1:2001

3.5.11 convoluted foam Cushion surface composed of convex protrusions

separated by depressions or sulci; often called ‘egg-crate’
but includes checkerboard and other designs. The
specifications for convoluted foam generally include the
total thickness of the pad and the thickness of the base
(measured from the bottom to the lowest point of the
valley).
Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.12 flexible matrix Cellular flexible arrays employed in support surfaces.

Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.13 non-deforming foam or Support material that does not deflect or deform under
matrix clinical loads; often used in cushion bases and
characterized by high stiffness.
Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.14 overlay An additional support surface designed to be placed

directly on top of an existing surface.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.15 air cushion A cushion with an impermeable membrane containing air.

Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.16 water cushion A cushion with an impermeable membrane containing

water.
Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.17 cushion with displacing A cushion made of solid, relatively incompressible

solid elements components that displace under load.
Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)
 64

Term Definition

3.5.18 active support surface A powered support surface with the capability to change
its load distribution properties with or without applied
load.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.19 air fluidized A feature of a support surface that provides pressure

redistribution by forcing air through a granular medium
(e.g., beads) producing a fluid state.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1Section 1 and NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.20 alternating pressure A feature of a support surface that provides pressure

redistribution via cyclic changes in loading and unloading
as characterized by frequency, duration, amplitude, and
rate of change parameters.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1Section 1 and NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.21 reactive support surface A powered or non-powered support surface with the
capability to change its load distribution properties only in
response to applied load.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.22 bonded Adhesion of a material by any means (heat, glue, etc).

Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.23 segmented Material whose surface is divided into separate and

distinct segments of grid top design.
Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.24 cell/bladder A means of encapsulating a support medium.

Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.25 cut-out Disruption or removal of material at the surface of a

cushion to alter the load-bearing characteristics of the
surface or to create a space for an insert of material; a
cut-out by definition does not reflect the shape or form of
the human body.
Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.26 zone A segment with a single pressure redistribution capability.

Source: Draft RESNA SS-1Section 1 and NPUAP-SSSI (2007)
 65

Term Definition

3.5.27 stiffness The degree of firmness of a material determined by

measuring its force-deflection response; reported as
Indentation Force Deflection (IFD), if known.
Source: Sprigle et al. (2001)

3.5.28 envelopment The ability of a support surface to conform, so to fit or

mold around irregularities in the body.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.29 immersion Depth of penetration (sinking) into a support surface.

Source: Draft RESNA SS-1Section 1 and NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.30 critical immersion The state at which increased deformation of the support
surface has the effect of concentrating and increasing
localized pressure.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.31 dampening Ability of the cushion to soften on impact.

Source: Cook & Hussey (2008)

3.5.32 fatigue The reduced capacity of a surface or its components to

perform as specified. This changed may be the result of
intended or unintended use and/or prolonged exposure to
chemical, thermal or physical forces.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1

3.5.33 bottomed out Sate of cushion deformation at which no increase in

cushion deformation occurs when further loading is
applied.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.8.15

3.5.34 life expectancy The defined period of time during which a product is able
to effectively fulfill its designated purpose.
Source: Draft RESNA SS-1Section 1 and NPUAP-SSSI (2007)

3.5.35 pressure redistribution The ability of a support surface to distribute load over the
Deprecated: contact areas of the human body.
pressure reduction Source: Draft RESNA SS-1 Section 1
pressure relief
 66

Section 4.0 ANGULAR AND LINEAR DIMENSIONS

4.1 General Reference Terms - Axis Systems

Term Definition

4.1.1 global coordinate system A three dimensional coordinate system that is made up of
a fixed origin, external to the wheelchair and the person,
located on a level floor, with three orthogonal axes in
which the vertical +Y axis extends upward opposite to the
direction of gravity.
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.1.2 local axis system A component of the global coordinate system used to
define the orientation of a single body segment or a
support surface relative to the orientation of the axes in
the global system. A local axis system is not fixed, and
can move and/or rotate in space. This allows the
orientation of the axes in a local axis system to be
compared to either the global coordinate system or
another external local axis system for measurement of
angular deviations.
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.1.3 wheelchair axis system A local axis system with a fixed origin located on a level
(WAS) floor directly below the midpoint of the two drive wheel
axles of a wheelchair (or as specified if the wheelchair
has more than 2 drive wheels), and three orthogonal
axes: the vertical +Y axis extends upward opposite to the
direction of gravity, the +X axis extends anteriorly
towards the front of the wheelchair, and +Z axis extends
laterally towards the right side of the wheelchair. The
wheelchair axis system is coincident with the global
coordinate system, and is thus used as the external zero
reference system from which to define the orientation of
body segments and seating support surfaces for the
measurement of absolute angles.
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.1.4 support surface axis system A local axis system with a specified origin and orthogonal
(SSAS) axes used to define the location and linear dimensions of
seating support surfaces. The origin is located at the seat
reference point (midpoint of the intersection of the seat
and back support reference planes), and the axes are
labeled according to the same right-hand rule convention
used in the global coordinate system
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1(2006)
 67

4.2 General Reference Terms - Planes

Term Definition

4.2.1 reference plane Nominal plane specified by a measurement standard to

ensure comparability of results.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.10.2

4.2.2 wheelchair ground plane Plane representing the surface on which the wheelchair
rests.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.10.3

4.2.3 sagittal plane A vertical plane running from front to back that divides the
body or any of its parts into left and right sides.
Note 1: Hip flexion and extension are examples of body
movements that occur in the sagittal plane.
Note 2: The sagittal plane is defined by the XY axes of
the wheelchair axis system.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.2.4 frontal plane A vertical plane running from side to side that divides the
body or any of its parts into anterior and posterior parts.
Note 1: Shoulder abduction and adduction, and lateral
neck flexion are examples of body movements that occur
in the frontal plane.
Note 2: The frontal plane is defined by the YZ axes of the
wheelchair axis system.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.2.5 transverse plane A horizontal plane that divides the body or any of its parts
into upper and lower (or superior and inferior) parts.
Note 1: Pelvic, trunk and neck rotation are examples of
body movements that occur in the transverse plane.
Note 2: The transverse plane is defined by the XZ axes of
the wheelchair axis system.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.2.6 wheelchair sagittal Vertical plane in the longitudinal centerline of the

reference plane wheelchair. This plane is the same as the sagittal XY
plane of the wheelchair axis system.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.10.4
 68

Term Definition

4.2.7 support surface reference An imaginary plane that lies along the contact surface of
plane a postural support device used to represent the
orientation of that support surface for measurement
purposes.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.2.7.1 back support reference An imaginary plane that lies along the contact surface of
plane the back support, used to represent the orientation and
Deprecated: location of the back support for measurement purposes.
trunk reference plane Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.9.2

4.2.7.2 seat reference plane An imaginary plane that lies along the contact surface of
the seat, used to represent the orientation and location of
Deprecated: that support surface for measurement purposes.
thigh reference plane Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.9.1

4.2.7.3 lower leg support An imaginary plane that lies along the contact surface of
reference plane the posterior lower leg support used to represent the
orientation and location of that support surface for
measurement purposes. In the absence of a posterior
Deprecated: lower leg support, it is an imaginary plane that connects
lower leg reference plane the front of the seat to the back of the foot supports.
leg reference plane Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.9.3

4.2.7.4 foot support reference An imaginary plane that lies along the contact surface of
plane the foot support, used to represent the orientation and
location of that support surface for measurement
purposes.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.3 General Reference Terms - Positions, Points and Lines

Term Definition

4.3.1 seated reference position A hypothetical, baseline seated position in which all body
(SRP) segments are at 90 degrees to one another and all body
segment local axes are aligned with the axes in the global
coordinate system, resulting in all body segment absolute
angles equaling 0 degrees in this position. Thus, the
Seated Reference Position is also known as the “zero
reference position” of the body.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)
 69

Term Definition

4.3.2 support surface reference A hypothetical, baseline seating support system position
position (SSRP) in which all support surfaces are at 90 degrees to one
another and all support surface local axes are aligned
with the axes in the global coordinate system, resulting in
all support surface absolute angles equaling 0 degrees in
this position. Thus, the Support Surface Reference
Position (SSRP) is also known as the “zero reference
position” of the seating support system.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.3.3 seat reference point Imaginary point, used for making measurements that is
the midpoint of the intersection of the seat reference
plane and the back support reference plane.
Note: The seat reference point coincides with the origin of
the support surface axis system (SSAS).
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.9.4 and Waugh & Crane
(2013).

4.3.4 wheelchair center point Midpoint of the line between the centers of the fixed
wheels.
Source: RESNA WC-1 Section 5, 3.43

4.3.5 body centerline Vertical line falling on the midsagittal plane of the body,
as viewed from the front in the frontal plane.
Source: ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.3.6 body segment line A line defined by two designated body landmarks, either
palpated or calculated, used in determining absolute and
relative angles of body segments.
Examples: Sagittal trunk line, frontal lower leg line,
transverse thigh line
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.3.7 support surface reference An imaginary line lying on the support surface reference
line plane that represents one of the support’s local axes,
used in determining the orientation (absolute angle) of
that seating support surface.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 70

Term Definition

4.3.8 support surface geometric An imaginary point at the geometric center of the contact
center (SSGC) surface side of a postural support device. It is defined as
the point of intersection of two or more lines joining the
furthest points from the edges of a contact surface and
located along the surface. This point is used to measure
the linear location of that postural support device in the
ISO 16840-1 (2006) measurement standard.
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.4 General Reference Terms - Directional Terms

Term Definition

4.4.1 anterior In front of, or towards the front of the body or body
segment.
Note: ‘Anterior’ is a directional term used to indicate the
front side of a body segment for the purpose of labeling
seating support surfaces.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.4.2 posterior In back of, or towards the back/rear of the body or body
segment.
Note: ‘Posterior’ is a directional term used to indicate the
back side of a body segment for the purpose of labeling
seating support surfaces.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.4.3 superior Above, or towards the top of the body or body segment.
Note: ‘Superior’ is a directional term used to indicate the
top side of a body segment for the purpose of labeling
seating support surfaces.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.4.4 inferior Below, or towards the bottom of the body or body

segment.
Note: ‘Inferior’ is a directional term used to indicate the
bottom side of a body segment for the purpose of labeling
seating support surfaces.
Source: GTD Project Team
 71

Term Definition

4.4.5 lateral On the outside of a body segment.

Note: ‘Lateral’ is a directional term used to indicate the
outside surface of a body segment for the purpose of
labeling seating support surfaces.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.4.6 medial One the inside of a body segment.

Note: ‘Medial’ is a directional term used to indicate the
inside surface of a body segment for the purpose of
labeling seating support surfaces.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.5 General Reference Terms - Angles

Term Definition

4.5.1 relative angle Angle formed between two body segments or two support
surfaces.
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1 (2006)

4.5.2 absolute angle Angle which represents the orientation in space of a

single body segment or seating support surface relative
to a global coordinate system.
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1 (2006)

4.5.3 sagittal angle (sang) Absolute angle which represents the orientation in space
of a single body segment or seating support surface in
the sagittal plane, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.5.4 frontal angle (fang) Absolute angle which represents the orientation in space
of a single body segment or seating support surface in
the frontal plane, viewed from the front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.5.5 transverse angle (tang) Absolute angle which represents the orientation in space
of a single body segment or seating support surface in
the transverse plane, viewed from the top.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 72

4.6 General Reference Terms - Linear Dimensions

Term Definition

4.6.1 width (w) Linear dimension of a seating support surface measured

in the Z-axis direction (medial-lateral) on a line parallel to
the support surface reference plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1 (2006)

4.6.2 length (l) Linear dimension of a seating support surface measured

in the Y-axis direction (up-down) on a line parallel to the
support surface reference plane.
Note: There is an exception to the definition of “length”
when measuring contours; see contour-length, contour-
depth
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1 (2006)

4.6.3 depth (d) Linear dimensions of a seating support surface measured

in the X-axis direction (fore-aft) on a line parallel to the
support surface reference plane.
Note: There is an exception to the definition of “depth”
when measuring contours; see contour-length, contour-
depth
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1 (2006)

4.6.4 height (h) Linear dimension representing the placement, or location,

of a specified point on a postural support device,
measured from an external reference point.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1 (2006)

4.6.5 thickness (t) Linear dimension of a seating support surface measured

perpendicular to the support surface reference plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1 (2006)

4.6.6 contour-width (c-w) Linear dimension of a concave area of a back support or

seat cushion, measured in the Z-axis direction from side
to side.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.6.7 contour-length (c-l) Linear dimension of a concave area of a back support or

seat cushion, measured from top to bottom (back
support) or back to front (seat cushion).
Source: GTD Project Team
 73

Term Definition

4.6.8 contour-depth (c-d) Linear dimension measured perpendicular to the support

surface reference plane that represents the depth of the
concavity in a contoured back support or seat cushion.
Contour-depth is measured from the most distal edge of
the lateral contour to the deepest part of the contour area.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.7 Body Segment Angles

Term Definition

4.7.1 thigh to trunk angle The relative angle between the thigh and the trunk,
(THI-TK) viewed from the side.

Deprecated: Note: The angle that is above the thigh is measured.

hip angle Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.2 thigh to pelvis angle The relative angle between the thigh and the pelvis,
(THI-PS) viewed from the side.
Deprecated: Note: The angle that is above the thigh is measured.
hip angle
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.3 thigh to lower leg angle The relative angle between the thigh and the lower leg,
(THI-LLG) viewed from the side.
Deprecated: Note: The angle that is behind the lower leg is measured.
knee angle
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.7.4 lower leg to foot angle The relative angle between the lower leg and the foot,
(LLG-FT) viewed from the side.
Deprecated: Note: The angle that is above the foot is measured.
ankle angle
foot angle Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.5 sagittal pelvic angle The angle of orientation of the pelvis in the sagittal plane
(PSsang) with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the side.
Note: A posterior pelvic tilt is a positive sagittal pelvic
angle, and an anterior pelvic tilt is a negative sagittal
pelvic angle.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)
 74

Term Definition

4.7.6 sagittal trunk angle The angle of orientation of the trunk in the sagittal plane
(TKsang) with respect to the vertical, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.7 sagittal thigh angle The angle of orientation of the thigh in the sagittal plane
(THIsang) with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.8 sagittal head angle The angle of orientation of the head in the sagittal plane
(HDsang) with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.9 sagittal upper trunk angle The angle of orientation of the upper trunk in the sagittal
(UTKsang) plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.10 sagittal sternal angle The angle of orientation of the sternum in the sagittal
(STsang) plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.11 sagittal abdominal angle The angle of orientation of the abdominal segment in the
(ABsang) sagittal plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the
side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.12 sagittal lower leg angle The angle of orientation of the lower leg in the sagittal
(LLGsang) plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.13 sagittal foot angle The angle of orientation of the foot in the sagittal plane
(FTsang) with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.14 frontal pelvic angle The angle of orientation of the pelvis with respect to the
(PSfang) horizontal, viewed from the front.
Note: A left pelvic obliquity is a negative frontal pelvic
angle, and a right pelvic obliquity is a positive frontal
pelvic angle.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.15 frontal sternal angle The angle of orientation of the upper trunk with respect to
(STfang) the vertical, viewed from the front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)
 75

Term Definition

4.7.16 frontal trunk angle The angle of orientation of the whole trunk with respect to
(TKfang) the vertical, viewed from the front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.17 frontal head angle The angle of orientation of the head in the frontal plane
(HDfang) with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.18 frontal lower leg angle The angle of orientation of the lower leg in the frontal
(LLGfang) plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.19 frontal foot angle The angle of orientation of the foot in the frontal plane
(FTfang) with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.20 transverse pelvic angle The angle of orientation of the pelvis in the transverse
(PStang) plane with respect to the wheelchair Z-axis, viewed from
the top.
Note: A left pelvic rotation is a positive transverse pelvic
angle, and a right pelvic rotation is a negative transverse
pelvic angle.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.21 transverse trunk angle The angle of orientation of the trunk in the transverse
(TKtang) plane with respect to the wheelchair Z-axis, viewed from
the top.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.22 transverse head angle The angle of orientation of the head in the transverse
(HDtang) plane with respect to the wheelchair Z-axis, viewed from
the top.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.7.23 transverse thigh angle The angle of orientation of the thigh in the transverse
(THItang) plane with respect to the wheelchair X-axis, viewed from
Deprecated: the top.
abduction angle Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)
adduction angle

4.7.24 transverse foot angle The angle of orientation of the foot in the transverse
(FTtang) plane with respect to the wheelchair X-axis, viewed from
the top.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 16840-1(2006)
 76

4.8 Body Linear Dimensions

Term Definition

4.8.1 buttock/thigh depth The distance from the most posterior point of the buttocks
Deprecated: to behind the knee (the popliteal fossa), for a seated
sitting depth person.
thigh length Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
user seat depth

4.8.2 ischial depth The distance from the back of the buttocks to the ischial
tuberosities in the desired sitting posture.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.3 maximum sitting depth Maximum horizontal distance from the most posterior
aspect of the trunk to the most forward popliteal fossa
(behind knee.)
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.4 foot depth Maximum distance from rear of the heel to tip of the
Deprecated: longest toe.
foot length Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.5 forearm depth The distance from the most posterior point of the elbow to
Deprecated: the styloid process of the wrist.
arm length Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
forearm length

4.8.6 lumbar curve depth Linear distance from the most posterior point of the
buttocks to the spinous process of the most anterior point
of the lumbar spine.
Note: Measures the depth of the lumbar curve in the
sagittal plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.7 thoracic curve depth Linear distance from the most posterior point of the
buttocks to the most posterior point of the thorax
measured perpendicular to the sagittal upper trunk line.
Note: Measures the depth of the thoracic curve in the
sagittal plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 77

Term Definition

4.8.8 trunk depth The maximum depth of the torso from the most posterior
point of the thorax to the most anterior point of the trunk.
Note: Measures the depth, or thickness of the trunk in the
sagittal plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.9 occiput depth The maximum horizontal distance between the back of
the head and the back of the trunk while seated in the
desired sitting position.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.10 elbow height The vertical distance from the top of the sitting surface to
the inferior aspect of the elbow in the sitting position.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.11 axilla height The distance from the top of the sitting surface to the
axilla, measured parallel to the trunk in the sagittal plane,
but vertically in the frontal plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.12 scapular height The distance from the top of the sitting surface to the
inferior angle of the scapula, measured parallel to the
trunk in the sagittal plane, but vertically in the frontal
plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.13 shoulder height The distance from the sitting surface to the top of the
shoulder, measured parallel to the trunk in the sagittal
plane, but vertically in the frontal plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.14 PSIS height The vertical distance from the sitting surface up to the
posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) of the pelvis.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.15 occiput height The distance from the top of the seat support surface to
the occiput of the head, measured parallel to the trunk in
the sagittal plane, but vertically in the frontal plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 78

Term Definition

4.8.16 thigh height The vertical distance from the top of the seat support
surface to the occiput of the head, measured parallel to
the trunk in the sagittal plane, but vertically in the frontal
plane.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.17 maximum sitting height The vertical distance from the top of the seat support
surface to the top of the head in sitting.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.18 lower leg length The length of the lower leg from back of knee to bottom of
heel.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.19 sternal length The distance from the lower sternal notch to the upper
sternal notch, measured parallel to the sternum.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.20 hip width The distance between the outside of the hips, including
non-compressed soft tissue, measured at the level of the
greater trochanters and parallel to the line between the
right and left anterior-superior iliac spines (ASIS’s).
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.21 waist width The maximum horizontal width of the waist measured at
the level of the umbilicus.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.22 chest width The maximum width of the upper trunk measured at the
midpoint between the upper and lower sternal notches,
measured perpendicular to the sternum.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.23 shoulder width Maximum horizontal distance between the outer borders
of the upper arms, with the arms at the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.24 head width The width of the head above the level of the ears.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.25 knee width Width of each knee across the femoral condyles.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 79

Term Definition

4.8.26 internal knee width Horizontal distance between the inside (medial surfaces)
of the right and left knees measured at the medial femoral
condyles.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.27 external knee width Horizontal distance between the outside (lateral surfaces)
of the right and left knees measured at the lateral femoral
condyles.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.28 external thigh width Horizontal distance between the outside (lateral surfaces)
of the thighs at their widest point.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.29 internal foot width Horizontal distance between the inner borders of the feet,
measured at most anterior-medial point on forefoot.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.30 external foot width Horizontal distance between the outer borders of the feet,
measured at most anterior-lateral point on forefoot.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.31 maximum lower body The maximum horizontal distance between the most
width lateral parts of the lower body (includes buttock/thighs,
lower legs and feet).
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.32 maximum sitting width Maximum horizontal distance between the most lateral
part of the upper body (includes trunk and head) and the
most lateral part of the lower body (includes
buttock/thighs, lower legs and feet).
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.33 lateral knee to centerline Horizontal distance from the outside of the knee to the
centerline of the seat, measured at the lateral femoral
condyle and parallel to the front edge of the seat.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.34 medial knee to centerline Horizontal distance from the inside of the knee to the
centerline of the seat measured at medial femoral
condyle and parallel to the front edge of the seat.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
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Term Definition

4.8.35 occiput to centerline Horizontal distance from the occipital protuberance to the
back support vertical centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.8.36 occiput to C7 Vertical distance from the occiput to the C7 vertebra

measured parallel to the trunk.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9 Seating Support Surface Angles

Term Definition

4.9.1 seat to back support angle The relative angle between the seat and the back support
(S-BS) reference planes, viewed from the side.

Deprecated: Note: The angle that is above the seat is measured.

seat to back angle Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
seat to backrest angle
backrest angle
hip angle

4.9.2 seat to lower back support The relative angle between the seat and the lower back
angle (S-LBS) support reference planes, viewed from the side.
Note: The angle that is above the seat is measured.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.3 seat to upper back support The relative angle between the seat and the upper back
angle (S-UBS) support reference planes, viewed from the side.
Note: The angle that is above the seat is measured.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.4 seat to lower leg support The relative angle between the seat and the lower leg
angle (S-LLS) support reference planes, as viewed from the side.
Deprecated: Note: The angle that is behind the lower leg support is
seat to leg angle measured.
leg to seat surface angle
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.5 lower leg support to foot The relative angle between the lower leg support and foot
support angle (LLS-FS) support reference planes, viewed from the side.
Deprecated: Note: The angle that is behind the lower leg support is
footrest to leg angle measured.
foot support angle
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 81

Term Definition

4.9.6 back support sagittal angle The angle of orientation of the back support in the sagittal
(BSsang) plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the side.
Deprecated: Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
back angle
backrest angle
back support angle
backrest inclination

4.9.7 back support frontal angle The angle of orientation of the back support in the frontal
(BSfang) plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.8 back support transverse The angle of orientation of the back support in the
angle transverse plane, with respect to the wheelchair Z-axis,
(BStang) viewed from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.9 seat sagittal angle The angle of orientation of the seat in the sagittal plane
(SEATsang) with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the side.
Deprecated: Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
seat tilt
seat angle
seat plane angle
seat slope
seat inclination

4.9.10 seat frontal angle The angle of orientation of the seat in the frontal plane
(SEATfang) with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.11 seat transverse angle The angle of orientation of the seat in the transverse
(SEATtang) plane with respect to the wheelchair X-axis, viewed from
above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.12 lower leg support sagittal The angle of orientation of the lower leg support in the
angle sagittal plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the
(LLSsang) side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.13 lower leg support frontal The angle of orientation of the lower leg support in the
angle frontal plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the
(LLSfang) front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
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Term Definition

4.9.14 lower leg support The angle of orientation of the lower leg support in the
transverse angle transverse plane, with respect to the wheelchair Z-axis,
(LLStang) viewed from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.15 foot support sagittal angle The angle of orientation of the foot support in the sagittal
(FSsang) plane with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.16 foot support frontal angle The angle of orientation of the foot support in the frontal
(FSfang) plane with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the
front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.17 foot support transverse The angle of orientation of the foot support in the
angle transverse plane, with respect to the wheelchair X-axis,
(FStang) viewed from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.18 head support sagittal The angle of orientation of the head support in the sagittal
angle plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the side.
(HSsang) Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.19 head support frontal angle The angle of orientation of the head support in the frontal
(HSfang) plane with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the
front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.20 head support transverse The angle of orientation of the head support in the
angle transverse plane, relative to the wheelchair Z-axis,
(HStang) viewed from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.21 arm support sagittal angle The angle of orientation of the arm support in the sagittal
(ASsang) plane with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the side.
Deprecated: Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
armrest angle
arm support angle

4.9.22 arm support frontal angle The angle of orientation of the arm support in the frontal
(ASfang) plane with respect to the horizontal, viewed from the
front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 83

Term Definition

4.9.23 arm support transverse The angle of orientation of the arm support in the
angle transverse plane, with respect to the wheelchair X-axis,
(AStang) viewed from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
Deprecated:
armrest internal rotation
armrest external rotation

4.9.24 lateral head support The angle of orientation of a lateral head support in the
sagittal angle sagittal plane with respect to the horizontal, viewed from
(LHSsang) the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.25 lateral head support frontal The angle of orientation of a lateral head support in the
angle frontal plane relative to the vertical, viewed from the front.
(LHSfang) Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.26 lateral head support The angle of orientation of a lateral head support in the
transverse angle transverse plane, with respect to the wheelchair X-axis,
(LHStang) viewed from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.27 lateral trunk support The angle of orientation of a lateral trunk support in the
sagittal angle sagittal plane with respect to the horizontal, viewed from
(LTSsang) the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.28 lateral trunk support The angle of orientation of a lateral trunk support in the
frontal angle frontal plane, with respect to the vertical, viewed from the
(LTSfang) front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.29 lateral trunk support The angle of orientation of a lateral trunk support in the
transverse angle transverse plane, with respect to the wheelchair X-axis,
(LTStang) viewed from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.30 lateral pelvic support The angle of orientation of a lateral pelvic support in the
sagittal angle sagittal plane with respect to the horizontal, viewed from
(LPSsang) the side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 84

Term Definition

4.9.31 lateral pelvic support The angle of orientation of a lateral pelvic support in the
frontal angle frontal plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the
(LPSfang) front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.32 lateral pelvic support The angle of orientation of a lateral pelvic support in the
transverse angle transverse plane relative to the wheelchair X-axis, viewed
(LPStang) from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.33 lateral knee support The angle of orientation of a lateral knee support in the
sagittal angle sagittal plane relative to the horizontal, viewed from the
(LKSsang) side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.34 lateral knee support frontal The angle of orientation of a lateral knee support in the
angle frontal plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the
(LKSfang) front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.35 lateral knee support The angle of orientation of a lateral knee support in the
transverse angle transverse plane relative to the wheelchair X-axis, viewed
(LKStang) from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.36 medial knee support The angle of orientation of a medial knee support in the
sagittal angle sagittal plane relative to the horizontal, viewed from the
(MKSsang) side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.37 medial knee support The angle of orientation of a medial knee support in the
frontal angle frontal plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the
(MKSfang) front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.38 medial knee support The angle of orientation of a medial knee support in the
transverse angle transverse plane relative to the wheelchair X-axis, viewed
(MKStang) from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.39 anterior knee support The angle of orientation of an anterior knee support in the
sagittal angle sagittal plane relative to the vertical, viewed from the
(AKSsang) side.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 85

Term Definition

4.9.40 anterior knee support The angle of orientation of an anterior knee support in the
frontal angle frontal plane with respect to the vertical, viewed from the
(AKSfang) front.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.9.41 anterior knee support The angle of orientation of an anterior knee support in the
transverse angle transverse plane relative to the wheelchair Z-axis, viewed
(AKStang) from above.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.10 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Seat

Term Definition

4.10.1 seat width Distance between the lateral edges of the seat contact
surface, measured along the centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013), adapted ISO 7176-26, 4.9.5

4.10.2 effective seat width Distance between any lateral support surfaces (e.g., arm
supports, lateral pelvic supports) that limit the space at
the occupant’s hips.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.9.6

4.10.3 seat width at bottom Distance between the lateral edges of the bottom surface
seat footprint width of the seat cushion, measured along the centerline.
Source: Adapted from Sprigle, et al. (2001)

4.10.4 seat depth Distance from the back edge to the front edge of the
Deprecated: contact surface side of the seat, measured along the
actual seat depth centerline.
total seat depth Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013) and ISO 7176-
seat surface depth 26, 4.9.7

4.10.5 effective seat depth Distance from the back support surface to the most
forward point of the seat contact surface. More
specifically, the distance from the intersection of the back
support and seat reference planes to the intersection of
Deprecated: the seat and lower leg support reference planes.
functional seat depth Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.9.8, and Waugh & Crane
set-up seat depth (2013)
 86

Term Definition

4.10.6 seat depth at bottom Distance from the back edge to the front edge of the
seat footprint depth bottom surface of the seat cushion, measured along the
centerline.
Source: Adapted from Sprigle, et al. (2001)

4.10.7 seat thickness The distance from the top to the bottom of the unloaded
seat in the area intended for pelvic loading, approximately
150 mm from the rear edge of the seat.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013); Adapted from Sprigle, et al.
(2001)

4.10.8 seat thickness at front The thickness of the front of the unloaded seat cushion in
inferior thigh support the area intended for thigh loading.
thickness Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.10.9 pelvic contour-width The width from side to side of the concave area intended
for pelvic/buttock support in the rear of a seat cushion.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.10.10 pelvic contour-length The length from back to front of the concave area
Deprecated: intended for pelvic/buttock support in the rear of a seat
anti-thrust depth cushion.
ischial well depth Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.10.11 pelvic contour-depth The distance from the top of the seat surface in the pelvic
contour area, to the top of the lateral edge of the seat, in
the area designed for buttock support in a seat cushion
with unloaded contour.
Note: Contour-depth is a dimension measured
perpendicular to the support surface reference plane.
Deprecated: Source: Adapted from Sprigle, et al. (2001) and Waugh &
pelvic contour height Crane (2013)

4.10.12 lateral thigh support The distance from the top of the seat surface intended to
height support the distal thigh to the top of the lateral thigh
support, in a seat cushion with contour at the front edge.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013); adapted from Sprigle, et al.
(2001)

4.10.13 medial thigh support The distance from the top of the seat surface intended to
height support the distal thigh to the top of the medial thigh
support, in a seat cushion with contour at the front edge.

Deprecated: Source: Waugh & Crane (2013); adapted from Sprigle, et al.
abductor height (2001)
 87

Term Definition

4.10.14 seat surface height at Vertical distance from the floor to the top of the seat at its
front edge front edge, in the area intended for distal thigh loading.
Deprecated: Source: Waugh & Crane (2013); adapted from ISO 7176-26,
seat height 4.9.9
seat to floor height

4.10.15 seat surface to foot The distance from the top of the seat to the top of the foot
support support. More specifically, the linear distance from the top
of the seat at its front edge in the area intended for distal
thigh loading, to the back edge of the foot support contact
Deprecated: surface, measured parallel to the lower leg support
seat to foot support reference plane.
foot support to seat surface
foot support to seat length Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)
footrest height

4.11 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions – Back Support

Term Definition

4.11.1 back support width Distance between the lateral edges of the back support
contact surface, measured along the centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013); adapted ISO 7176-7, 4.9.10

4.11.2 inside back support width Distance between the most distal, inside surface of the
lateral support surfaces of a pre-contoured back support,
taken across the back support at its center.
Note: Represents the inside contact surface width.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.11.3 outside back support Distance between the most distal, outside surface of the
width lateral support surfaces of a pre-contoured back support,
taken across the back support at its center.
Note: Represents the outside width of the back support at
the front, not including the supporting structure or shell.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.11.4 overall back support width Maximum distance between the most lateral edges of a
Deprecated: back support, including the supporting structure or shell.
outside shell width Source: GTD Project Team
 88

Term Definition

4.11.5 back support assembly Distance between the most lateral edges of a back
width support, including the supporting structure or pan and the
attaching hardware.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.11.6 back support length Distance between the bottom edge and the top edge of
the contact surface side of the back support, measured
along the centerline.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.11.7 back support thickness The thickness from front to back of the unloaded back
support, measured at the bottom.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.11.8 back support height The distance from the top of the seat to the top of the
back support, measured along the centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013); ISO 7176-26, 4.9.11

4.11.9 back support contour- Depth of the lateral support surface in a pre-contoured
depth back support, measured from the center of back support
contact surface to farthest projection of lateral.
Note: Contour-depth is a dimension measured
perpendicular to the support surface reference plane.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.12 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Head Support

Term Definition

4.12.1 head support width Linear distance between the lateral edges of the head
support contact surface, measured along the centerline.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.12.2 inside head support width Linear distance between the most distal, inside surface of
the lateral support surfaces of a pre-contoured head
support, taken across the support at its center.
Note: Represents the inside contact surface width.
Source: GTD Project Team
 89

Term Definition

4.12.3 outside head support Linear distance between the most distal, outside surface
width of the lateral support surfaces of a pre-contoured head
support, taken across the support at its center.
Note: Represents the outside width of the head support at
the front, not including the supporting structure or shell,
but including the thickness of the pad or support material.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.12.4 overall head support width Linear distance between the most lateral edges of a head
support, including the supporting structure or shell.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.12.5 head support length Distance between the bottom and top edge of the contact
surface side of the head support, measured at the
centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.12.6 head support thickness Linear distance from the front to the back of the unloaded
head support, measured at the bottom at the centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.12.7 head support height The distance from the top of the seat to the top of the
head support.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.13 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Foot Support

Term Definition

4.13.1 foot support width Distance between the lateral edges of the foot support
contact surface, measured along the centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.13.2 foot support depth Distance from the back edge to the front edge of the foot
support contact surface, measured along the centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.13.3 foot support effective Linear distance from the lower leg support reference
depth plane to the most forward point on the front edge of the
foot support structure.
Source: Adapted from Waugh & Crane (2013)
 90

Term Definition

4.13.4 foot support thickness Distance from the top to the bottom surfaces of the foot
support, measured at the midpoint of the front edge.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.13.5 foot support clearance Vertical distance from the floor to the lowest part of the
foot support assembly.
Note: Represents the height of the clear space under the
Deprecated: foot support.
footrest clearance Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.9.14

4.14 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Arm Support

Term Definition

4.14.1 arm support width The distance between the lateral and medial edges of the
arm support contact surface, measured along the
centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013); adapted ISO 7176-26, 4.9.16

4.14.2 arm support depth The distance from the back to the front of the arm support
Deprecated: contact surface, measured at centerline.
armrest length Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
arm support length

4.14.3 arm support thickness The thickness from the top to the bottom surfaces of the
arm support.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.14.4 arm support height The distance from the top of the seat to the top of the arm
Deprecated: support at the center.
armrest height Source: Waugh & Crane (2013); adapted 7176-26, 4.9.17

4.14.5 distance between arm Horizontal distance between the innermost parts of the
supports two arm supports.
Deprecated: Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.9.20
distance between armrests
 91

4.15 Seating Support Surface Linear Dimensions - Lateral and Medial Support

Term Definition

4.15.1 lateral support depth Linear distance from the back edge to the front edge of
the contact surface side of the lateral support measured
along the centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.15.2 lateral support length Linear distance between the top edge and the bottom
edge of the contact surface side of the lateral support,
measured at centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.15.3 lateral support thickness The thickness from the inside to outside surfaces of the
lateral support component.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.15.4 lateral trunk support The distance from the top of the seat to the top of the
height lateral trunk support.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.15.5 medial support depth Linear distance from the back edge to the front edge of
the contact surface side of the medial support measured
along the centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.15.6 medial support length Linear distance between the top edge and the bottom
edge of the contact surface side of the medial support,
measured at centerline.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)

4.15.7 medial support thickness The thickness from the inside to outside surfaces of the
medial support component.
Source: Waugh & Crane (2013)
 92

4.16 Postural Support Device (PSD) Linear Location Measures

Term Definition

4.16.1 postural support device Linear location of a postural support device in three
location dimensions, as defined by the x, y and z distances from
(PSDloc) the origin of the Support Surface Axis System (0,0,0s) to
the Support Surface Geometric Center of the PSD
(SSGCPSD), measured parallel to the x, y and z axes of
the Support Surface Axis System.
Note 1: The seat reference point coincides with the origin
of the Support Surface Axis System (0,0,0s).
Note 2: A PSD location measure is therefore comprised
of three numbers representing the distance from the seat
reference point to the center of the PSD, in the direction
of each of the three axes x, y and z.
Example: Right lateral trunk support location = (2”, 8.5”,
4”).
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.16.2 postural support device Linear location of a postural support device in the vertical
vertical location (up-down) direction, as defined by the singular Y distance
(PSDyloc) from the origin of the Support Surface Axis System
(0,0,0s) to the Support Surface Geometric Center of the
PSD (SSGCPSD), measured parallel to the Y axis of the
Support Surface Axis System (SSAS).
Note 1: The seat reference point coincides with the origin
of the Support Surface Axis System (0,0,0s).
Note 2: A PSD’s vertical location measure is therefore
comprised of one value representing the distance from
the seat reference point to the center of the PSD, in the
vertical Y direction.
Example: Right lateral trunk support vertical location =
8.5”
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1(2006)
 93

Term Definition

4.16.3 postural support device Linear location of a postural support device in the
AP location anterior-posterior (fore-aft) direction, as defined by the
(PSDxloc) singular X distance from the origin of the Support Surface
Axis System (0,0,0s) to the Support Surface Geometric
Center of the PSD (SSGCPSD), measured parallel to the X
axis of the Support Surface Axis System (SSAS).
Note 1: The seat reference point coincides with the origin
of the Support Surface Axis System (0,0,0s).
Note 2: A PSD’s AP location measure is therefore
comprised of one value representing the distance from
the seat reference point to the center of the PSD, in the
horizontal X direction.
Example: Right lateral knee support AP location = 16”
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1 (2006)

4.16.4 postural support device Linear location of a postural support device in the lateral
lateral location (side to side) direction, as defined by the singular Z
(PSDzloc) distance from the origin of the Support Surface Axis
System (0,0,0s) to the Support Surface Geometric Center
of the PSD (SSGCPSD), measured parallel to the Z-axis of
the Support Surface Axis System (SSAS).
Note 1: The seat reference point coincides with the origin
of the Support Surface Axis System (0,0,0s).
Note 2: A PSD’s lateral location measure is therefore
comprised of one value representing the distance from
the seat reference point to the center of the PSD, in the
lateral Z location.
Example: Left medial knee support lateral location = -6”
Source: Adapted from ISO 16840-1(2006)

4.17 Wheelchair Frame Linear Dimensions

Term Definition

4.17.1 seat frame depth Distance from the front of the back post to the front edge
of the seat rail.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.17.2 seat frame width Distance between the lateral outside edges of the seat
rails, measured in the front.
Source: GTD Project Team
 94

Term Definition

4.17.3 front seat frame width Distance between the lateral outside edges of the seat
rails at the front. This term can be used instead of “seat
frame width” to differentiate the seat frame width at the
front vs. rear of frame, to determine degree of taper in
seat rails from rear to front.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.17.4 rear seat frame width Distance between the lateral outside edges of the seat
rails at the rear. This term can be used instead of “seat
frame width” to differentiate the seat frame width at the
front vs. rear of frame, to determine degree of taper in
seat rails from rear to front.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.17.5 front seat frame height Vertical distance from the floor to the top of the seat rail
at its highest point, typically at the end of the seat rail or
at the front frame bend.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.17.6 rear seat frame height Vertical distance from the floor to the top of the seat rail
at the rear, just in front of the back post.
Source: GTD Project Team

4.17.7 seat sling to foot support The distance from the top of the seat sling or seat pan at
seat pan to foot support its front edge to the top back edge of the foot support.
Deprecated: Source: GTD Project Team
seat sling to footrest
seat to foot support
seat to footrest length

4.17.8 handgrip height Vertical distance from the ground to the handgrip
reference points of the wheelchair.
Source: RESNA WC-1 Section 5, 3.12

4.17.9 handgrip reference point Outer most lateral point at half length of the handgrip
(midpoint of the lateral side of the handgrip).
Source: Adapted from RESNA WC-1 Section 5, 3.13

4.17.10 ground clearance Shortest distance between the ground and any part of the
wheelchair that is not a wheel.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.3.8
 95

4.18 Wheelchair Overall Dimensions and Mass

Term Definition

4.18.1 overall wheelchair depth Horizontal distance between the most forward and most
rearward points of the wheelchair when it is ready for use,
with any lower leg supports, foot supports and any anti-
tipping devices attached, and with casters in a forward
Deprecated: trailing position.
overall length Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.3.1 and RESNA WC-1
full overall length Section 5, 3.9

4.18.2 reduced overall wheelchair Horizontal distance between the most forward and most
depth rearward points of the wheelchair when it is ready for use
with any lower leg support assemblies removed, and with
casters in a forward trailing position.
Source: Adapted from RESNA WC-1 Section 5, 3.29

4.18.3 occupied wheelchair depth Distance between the most forward and most rearward
points of the wheelchair and/or occupant when it is ready
Deprecated: for use and occupied.
full occupied length Source: Adapted from RESNA WC-1 Section 5, 3.29

4.18.4 wheelbase Distance between the ground contact points of the front
and rear wheels of the wheelchair, measured in a
direction parallel to the forward direction of movement.
Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.3.7

4.18.5 overall wheelchair width Distance between the outermost side-to-side points of the
wheelchair when fully opened and ready for use,
measured in a direction perpendicular to the forward
direction of movement.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.3.2

4.18.6 occupied wheelchair width Distance between the outermost side-to-side points of the
wheelchair and/or occupant (including hands and
elbows), when it is ready for use and occupied measured
in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction of
movement.
Source: RESNA WC-1 Section 5, 3.19

4.18.7 overall wheelchair height Vertical distance from the ground to the uppermost point
of the wheelchair when it is ready for use, inclusive of
seating support system components, and with the back
support in the upright position.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.3.3
 96

Term Definition

4.18.8 occupied wheelchair Vertical distance from the ground to the uppermost point
height of the wheelchair and/or occupant when it is ready for use
and occupied, inclusive of seating support system
components, and with the back support in the upright
position.
Source: Adapted from RESNA WC-1 Section 5, 3.18

4.18.9 wheelchair footprint Space outlined on the horizontal wheelchair ground plane
by projecting vertically down from the outermost edges of
the structural members of the wheelchair, including the
arm support and lower leg support assemblies, with the
seating system in its most upright position if adjustable.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.10.6

4.18.10 turning diameter Diameter of the smallest cylindrical envelope in which the
Deprecated: occupied wheelchair can be driven in a circle through
turning radius 360°.
turning circle Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.3.9

4.18.11 stowage height Vertical distance from the ground to the uppermost point
of the wheelchair when folded and/or dismantled for
Deprecated: transport or stowing purposes.
overall height folded Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.3.6

4.18.12 stowage depth Distance between the most forward and most rearward
points of the wheelchair when folded and/or dismantled
for transport or stowing purposes, with drive wheels and
Deprecated: lower leg support assembly removed.
overall length folded Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.3.4

4.18.13 stowage width Minimum distance between the two outermost side-to-
side points of the wheelchair when folded and/or
dismantled for transport or stowing purposes, with drive
Deprecated: wheels and lower leg support assembly removed.
overall width folded Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.3.5

4.18.14 mass of heaviest part Mass of the heaviest part of the wheelchair when
dismantled for transport or stowing purposes.
Source: RESNA WC-1 Section 5, 3.16

4.18.15 maximum occupant mass Maximum mass of the occupant specified by the
Deprecated: wheelchair manufacturer.
maximum user mass Source: ISO 7176-26, 4.10.1
 97

Term Definition

4.18.16 total wheelchair mass Mass of the wheelchair when ready for use, but
unoccupied.
Source: Adapted from ISO 7176-26, 4.3.12
 98

REFERENCES
1. Waugh, K., and Crane, B. (2013). A clinical application guide to standardized wheelchair
seating measures of the body and seating support surfaces (Rev. Ed). Denver, CO: University
of Colorado Denver (363 pgs). Available from:
http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/programs/atp/Resources/Wheelch
airSeating/Pages/WheelchairSeating.aspx

2. ISO 16840-1 (2006): Wheelchair Seating, Section 1 - Vocabulary, reference axis convention
and measures for body posture and postural support surfaces, International Organization for
Standardization, TC-173, SC-1, WG-11.

3. ISO 7176-26 (2007): Wheelchairs – Part 26: Vocabulary, International Organization for
Standardization, TC-173, SC-1, WG-11.

4. RESNA WC-1:2009, Section 5: American National Standard for Wheelchairs Volume 1:

Requirements and Test Methods for Wheelchairs (including Scooters), Section 5 -
Determination of dimensions, mass and maneuvering space. Rehabilitation Engineering and
Assistive Technology Society of North America.

5. DRAFT RESNA SS-1:2011, Section 1: American National Standard for Support Surfaces
Volume 1, Section 1-Vocabulary. Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society
of North America.

6. Arva, J. et al. (2009). RESNA Position on the Application of Seat-Elevating Devices for
Wheelchair Users. Assistive Technology, 21: 2, 69-72, 2009

7. Diciano, B. et al. (2009). RESNA Position on the Application of Tilt, Recline and Elevating
Legrests for Wheelchairs. Assistive Technology, 21: 1, 13-22, 2009

8. RESNA Position on the Application of Ultralight Manual Wheelchairs, 2012. Rehabilitation

Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America. Retrieved from:
http://www.resna.org/resources/position_papers.dot

9. Arva, J. et al. (2009). RESNA Position on the Application of Wheelchair Standing Devices.
Assistive Technology, 21:161–168, 2009

10. Cook, A, and Hussey, S. (2008), Assistive Technologies: Principles and Practice, Third Edition.
Mosby, Inc. St. Louis, Missouri.

11. Physical Rehabilitation, sixth edition, Susan B. O'Sullivan, Thomas J. Schmitz, George D. Fulk,
copyright 2014 by F. A. Davis Company, 1915 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.fadavis.com

12. Batavia, M. (2010). The Wheelchair Evaluation: A Clinician's Guide. Second Edition. Jones and
Bartlett Publishers, LLC, Sudbury, MA.
 99

13. Ward, D. (1994). A Uniform Approach to Seating Terminology, in Prescriptive Seating for
Wheeled Mobility Volume 1. Kansas City, Mo, Health Wealth International.

14. Zollars, J.A. (2010) Special Seating: An Illustrated Guide, Revised Edition. Prickly Pear
Publications, Albuquerque, NM

15. Sprigle, S., Press, L. and Davis, K. (2001). Development of uniform terminology and procedures
to describe wheelchair cushion characteristics. J Rehabil Research and Development,
38(4):449-461, Jul/Aug.

16. Breaux, B, McLachlan, L and Waugh, K. (2013). Colorado Medicaid Draft Benefit Standards,
received from authors

17. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) Support Surfaces Standards Initiative (S3I),
Terms and Definitions Related to Support Surfaces Ver. 01/29/07. www.npuap.org

18. Medicare DME MAC LCD Policy Article regarding Power Mobility Devices, Appendix N –
Definitions. Retrieved from:
https://www.noridianmedicare.com/dme/coverage/docs/lcds/current_articles/power_mobility_de
vices.htm

19. Terminology Guide, Mobility-Related Assistive Technology Device Classification, Consortium of

Assistive Technology Outcome Research (CATOR), June 2009. Obtained by request from
authors.

20. Shoemaker, et al. (2010). Development and Evaluation of a New Taxonomy of Mobility-Related
Assistive Technology Devices. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol.89,
No.10, October 2010

21. Dolan, M., and Henderson, G. (2013). An impact assessment and critical appraisal of the ISO
standard for wheelchair vocabulary. Medical Engineering & Physics 35 (2013) 944-948

22. ISO WG11-211 PSD Definitions – final. Document attachment to ISO TC173 SC1 WG-11_213
Minutes from San Francisco_20130607, received from Lloyd Walker

23. AbleData website, Wheeled Mobility. Accessed 10.9.13,

http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=19327&top=14341&deep=2
 100

INDEX – ALPHABETICAL

A B C D E F G H
I K L M N O P Q
R S T U V W Z
A
abduction angle (deprecated) 4.7.23
abductor (deprecated) 3.4.3.2
abductor height (deprecated) 4.10.13
abductor wedge (deprecated) 3.4.3.2
absolute angle 4.5.2
active support surface 3.5.18
actual seat depth (deprecated) 4.10.4
adduction angle (deprecated) 4.7.23
adductor (deprecated) 3.4.4.5; 3.4.4.6
adductor pad (deprecated) 3.4.4.5; 3.4.4.6
adductor strap (deprecated) 3.4.4.6
adductor wedge (deprecated) 3.4.4.5
add-on push handle 2.2.10
adjustable rehab seat frame 2.1.13
ADL-specific manual wheelchair 1.2.6
adult transport wheelchair 1.2.5.2
air 3.5.1
air cushion 3.5.15
air fluidized 3.5.19
airbag 1.5.23
airless insert 2.5.30
aisle wheelchair 1.2.5.1
alternating pressure 3.5.20
alternative drive control 2.9.2.4
alternative joystick 2.9.3.2
ambulation aid (AA) 1.1.2
anchor point 1.5.14
anchorage 1.5.15
angle adjustable 3.2.11
 101

angle adjustable back posts 2.2.2

ankle angle (deprecated) 4.7.4
ankle hugger (deprecated) 3.4.7.2
ankle strap 3.4.1.9
anterior 4.4.1
anterior head support 3.4.1.1
anterior knee support (AKS) 3.4.1.7
anterior knee support frontal angle (AKSfang) 4.9.40
anterior knee support sagittal angle (AKSsang) 4.9.39
anterior knee support transverse angle (AKStang) 4.9.41
anterior lower leg support 3.4.1.8
anterior pelvic support 3.4.1.4
anterior shoulder support 3.4.1.2
anterior support 3.4.1
anterior trunk support 3.4.1.3
anti-thrust depth (deprecated) 4.10.10
anti-thrust seat 3.3.1.9
anti-tip device 2.3.1
anti-tipper (deprecated) 2.3.1
anti-tipping lever (deprecated) 2.3.1
arm length (deprecated) 4.8.5
arm support (AS) 3.3.5
arm support angle (deprecated) 4.9.21
arm support assembly 2.1.8
arm support depth 4.14.2
arm support frontal angle (ASfang) 4.9.22
arm support height 4.14.4
arm support length (deprecated) 4.14.2
arm support panel (deprecated) 2.3.2
arm support sagittal angle (ASsang) 4.9.21
arm support thickness 4.14.3
arm support transverse angle (AStang) 4.9.23
arm support width 4.14.1
arm trough 3.4.6.3
armrest (deprecated) 3.3.5
armrest angle (deprecated) 4.9.21
armrest assembly (deprecated) 2.1.8
 102

armrest external rotation 4.9.23

armrest height (deprecated) 4.14.4
armrest internal rotation 4.9.23
armrest length (deprecated) 4.14.2
armrest panel (deprecated) 2.3.2
assistant 1.4.3
assistant adjustable 3.2.17
attendant (deprecated) 1.4.3
attendant operated wheel lock 2.8.5
automatic brake 2.8.7
axilla height 4.8.11
axle plate 2.5.16

B
back (deprecated) 3.3.2
back angle (deprecated) 4.9.6
back post 2.1.6
back post release mechanism 2.2.8
back support (BS) 3.3.2
back support angle (deprecated) 4.9.6
back support assembly width 4.11.5
back support contour-depth 4.11.9
back support frontal angle (BSfang) 4.9.7
back support height 4.11.8
back support length 4.11.6
back support reference plane 4.2.7.1
back support sagittal angle (BSsang) 4.9.6
back support thickness 4.11.7
back support transverse angle (BStang) 4.9.8
back support width 4.11.1
backrest (deprecated) 3.3.2
backrest angle (deprecated) 4.9.1; 4.9.6
backrest inclination (deprecated) 4.9.6
balancing wheelchair 1.3.4.1
battery pack 2.8.14
battery size 2.8.15
belt 1.5.22
belt/chain drive 2.4.8
biangular back support 3.3.2.4
body centerline 4.3.5
body segment line 4.3.6
 103

body side support (deprecated) 3.4.4.3

body support system 3.1.1
bonded 3.5.22
bottomed out 3.5.33
buttock/thigh depth 4.8.1

C
calf pad (deprecated) 3.3.3
camber 2.6.7
captain’s chair 2.1.11
captains seat (deprecated) 2.1.11
carer (deprecated) 1.4.3
carry-on battery charger 2.8.18
caster assembly 2.5.7
caster cant 2.6.9
caster fork 2.5.8
caster fork adjustment 2.5.9
caster housing adjustment 2.5.12
caster rake 2.6.10
caster stem 2.5.10
caster stem angle (deprecated) 2.6.10
caster stem housing 2.5.11
caster support (deprecated) 2.5.8
caster suspension system 2.3.6
caster wheel 2.5.6
cell/bladder 3.5.24
center of gravity (deprecated) 2.6.1
center of gravity adjustment (deprecated) 2.6.1
center pivot tilt 2.10.1.3
center-wheel drive 2.7.1.3
chest width 4.8.22
circumferential ankle support 3.4.7.2
circumferential cervical support (deprecated) 3.4.7.1
circumferential support 3.4.7
clamp-type tiedown 1.5.8
closed cell foam 3.5.9
clothing guard 2.3.2
collar (deprecated) 3.4.7.1
companion chair (deprecated) 1.2.5; 1.2.5.2; 1.2.5.3
contact face 3.1.6
contact surface 3.1.6
contoured (deprecated) 3.2.7
contour-depth (c-d) 4.6.8
 104

contoured handrims 2.5.22

contour-length (c-l) 4.6.7
contour-width (c-w) 4.6.6
controller 2.9.1
convoluted foam 3.5.11
critical immersion 3.5.30
cushion with displacing solid elements 3.5.17
custom contoured 3.2.8
cut-out 3.5.25

D
dampening 3.5.31
decline 3.2.4
declined seat 3.3.1.8
dependent mobility base 2.1.3
dependent pediatric variable positioning wheelchair 1.2.4.6
dependent wheelchair frame 2.1.3
depth (d) 4.6.3
depth adjustable back posts 2.2.3
detachable (deprecated) 3.2.10
direct drive 2.4.6
distance between armrests (deprecated) 4.14.5
distance between arm supports 4.14.5
docking securement device 1.5.10
docking tiedown device 1.5.10
docking-type tiedown 1.5.9
drive control 2.9.2
drive wheel 2.5.1
dynamic back posts 2.2.6

E
effective seat depth 4.10.5
effective seat width 4.10.2
elastic foam 3.5.10
elastomer 3.5.7
elbow block (deprecated) 3.4.2.1
elbow height 4.8.10
electric wheelchair (deprecated) 1.3.1
electrically powered wheelchair (deprecated) 1.3.1
electrically powered wheelchair with integral seat (deprecated) 1.3.2
electronic switch drive control 2.9.2.6
envelopment 3.5.28
ergonomic handrims 2.5.22
 105

expandable controller 2.9.1.2

external foot width 4.8.30
external knee width 4.8.27
external thigh width 4.8.28

F
fatigue 3.5.32
fixed 3.2.9
fixed back posts 2.2.1
flexible matrix 3.5.12
flip-down 3.2.13
flip-up 3.2.12
floating pivot tilt 2.10.1.4
fold-down back posts 2.2.5
folding frame 2.1.4
foot angle (deprecated) 4.7.4
foot board (deprecated) 3.3.4
foot box (deprecated) 3.3.4
foot bucket (deprecated) 3.3.4
foot depth 4.8.4
foot length (deprecated) 4.8.4
foot platform (deprecated) 3.3.4
foot support (FS) 3.3.4
foot support angle (deprecated) 4.9.5
foot support clearance 4.13.5
foot support depth 4.13.2
foot support effective depth 4.13.3
foot support frontal angle (FSfang) 4.9.16
foot support reference plane 4.2.7.4
foot support sagittal angle (FSsang) 4.9.15
foot support thickness 4.13.4
foot support to seat length (deprecated) 4.10.15
foot support to seat surface (deprecated) 4.10.15
foot support transverse angle (FStang) 4.9.17
foot support width 4.13.1
footplate (deprecated) 3.3.4
footrest (deprecated) 3.3.4
footrest assembly (deprecated) 2.1.9
footrest clearance (deprecated) 4.13.5
footrest height (deprecated) 4.10.15
footrest to leg angle (deprecated) 4.9.5
forearm depth 4.8.5
forearm hook (deprecated) 3.4.5.1
 106

forearm length (deprecated) 4.8.5

forearm strap (deprecated) 3.4.5.1
forward pivot tilt 2.10.1.2
forward trailing position 2.5.14
forward-facing 1.5.3
four-point strap-type tiedown 1.5.7
four-point tiedown 1.5.6
four-pole motors 2.8.11
frame suspension system 2.3.5
friction drive 2.4.7
front rigging (deprecated) 2.1.9
front seat frame height 4.17.5
front seat frame width 4.17.3
frontal angle (fang) 4.5.4
frontal foot angle (FTfang) 4.7.19
frontal head angle (HDfang) 4.7.17
frontal lower leg angle (LLGfang) 4.7.18
frontal pelvic angle (PSfang) 4.7.14
frontal plane 4.2.4
frontal sternal angle (STfang) 4.7.15
frontal trunk angle (TKfang) 4.7.16
front-wheel drive 2.7.1.4
front-wheel propulsion 2.7.2.3
full occupied length (deprecated) 4.18.3
full overall length (deprecated) 4.18.1
fully configurable standard manual wheelchair 1.2.2.4
functional seat depth (deprecated) 4.10.5

G
geared hub drive 2.4.3
gearless brushless motor 2.8.12
gel 3.5.3
global coordinate system 4.1.1
ground clearance 4.17.10
guide wheel 2.5.3

H
handgrip 2.2.11
handgrip height 4.17.8
handgrip reference point 4.17.9
handrim 2.5.19
handrim diameter 2.6.5
handrim spacers 2.5.21
 107

handrim spacer length 2.6.6

handrim type 2.5.20
handrim with projection knobs 2.5.23
handrim-activated power-assist drive 2.4.4
handrim-drive manual wheelchair (deprecated) 1.2.2
hanger (deprecated) 2.1.9
head restraint 1.5.20
head side support (deprecated) 3.4.4.1
head support (HS) 3.3.6
head support frontal angle (HSfang) 4.9.19
head support height 4.12.7
head support length 4.12.5
head support sagittal angle (HSsang) 4.9.18
head support thickness 4.12.6
head support transverse angle (HStang) 4.9.20
head support width 4.12.1
head width 4.8.24
headrest (deprecated) 3.3.6
height (h) 4.6.4
height adjustable back posts 2.2.4
high performance wheel 2.5.26
hip angle (deprecated) 4.7.1; 4.7.2; 4.9.1
hip belt (deprecated) 3.4.1.5
hip block (deprecated) 3.4.4.4
hip guide (deprecated) 3.4.4.4
hip pad (deprecated) 3.4.4.4
hip width 4.8.20
horizontal location of wheel axle (deprecated) 2.6.1
humeral block (deprecated) 3.4.2.1

I
I-back 3.3.2.5
immersion 3.5.29
incline 3.2.3
inclined seat 3.3.1.7
inferior 4.4.4
inferior pelvic support 3.4.6.1
inferior support 3.4.6
inferior thigh support 3.4.6.2
inferior thigh support thickness 4.10.8
inflatable restraint system (deprecated) 1.5.23
input device 2.9.3
inside back support width 4.11.2
 108

inside head support width 4.12.2

integrated postural support device 3.1.9
integrated seating system 3.1.10
integrated sling back support 3.3.2.2
integrated sling seat 3.3.1.2
integrated solid back support 3.3.2.3
integrated solid seat 3.3.1.3
integrated wheelchair back support 3.3.2.1
integrated wheelchair seat 3.3.1.1
internal foot width 4.8.29
internal knee width 4.8.26
ischial depth 4.8.2
ischial well depth (deprecated) 4.10.10

K
knee angle (deprecated) 4.7.3
knee block (deprecated) 3.4.1.7
knee strap (deprecated) 3.4.1.7
knee width 4.8.25

L
lap belt 1.5.19
lap restraint (deprecated) 1.5.19
latched switch control 2.9.4
lateral 4.4.5
lateral forearm support 3.4.4.2
lateral head support 3.4.4.1
lateral head support frontal angle (LHSfang) 4.9.25
lateral head support sagittal angle (LHSsang) 4.9.24
lateral head support transverse angle (LHStang) 4.9.26
lateral headrest (deprecated) 3.4.4.1
lateral hip support (deprecated) 3.4.4.4
lateral knee support (LKS) 3.4.4.6
lateral knee support frontal angle (LKSfang) 4.9.34
lateral knee support sagittal angle (LKSsang) 4.9.33
lateral knee support transverse angle (LKStang) 4.9.35
lateral knee to centerline 4.8.33
lateral lower leg support 3.4.4.7
lateral pad (deprecated) 3.4.4; 3.4.4.3
lateral pelvic support (LPS) 3.4.4.4
lateral pelvic support frontal angle (LPSfang) 4.9.31
lateral pelvic support sagittal angle (LPSsang) 4.9.30
lateral pelvic support transverse angle (LPStang) 4.9.32
 109

lateral support 3.4.4

lateral support depth 4.15.1
lateral support length 4.15.2
lateral support thickness 4.15.3
lateral thigh support 3.4.4.5
lateral thigh support height 4.10.12
lateral thoracic pad (deprecated) 3.4.4.3
lateral thoracic support (deprecated) 3.4.4.3
lateral trunk support (LTS) 3.4.4.3
lateral trunk support frontal angle (LTSfang) 4.9.28
lateral trunk support height 4.15.4
lateral trunk support sagittal angle (LTSsang) 4.9.27
lateral trunk support transverse angle (LTStang) 4.9.29
leg adductor support (deprecated) 3.4.3.3
leg block (deprecated) 3.4.4.5
leg dividing support (deprecated) 3.4.3.3
leg pad (deprecated) 3.4.4.5
leg reference plane (deprecated) 4.2.7.3
leg strap (deprecated) 3.4.4.5
leg to seat surface angle (deprecated) 4.9.4
legrest (deprecated) 2.1.9
legrest assembly (deprecated) 2.1.9
legrest pad (deprecated) 3.4.4.7
length (l) 4.6.2
lever-drive 2.4.2
life expectancy 3.5.34
linear (deprecated) 3.2.6
local axis system 4.1.2
lower leg length 4.8.18
lower leg reference plane (deprecated) 4.2.7.3
lower leg support (LLS) 3.3.3
lower leg support assembly 2.1.9
lower leg support frontal angle (LLSfang) 4.9.13
lower leg support reference plane 4.2.7.3
lower leg support sagittal angle (LLSsang) 4.9.12
lower leg support to foot support angle (LLS-FS) 4.9.5
lower leg support transverse angle (LLStang) 4.9.14
lower leg to foot angle (LLG-FT) 4.7.4
lumbar curve depth 4.8.6

M
mag wheel 2.5.25
maneuvering wheel 2.5.2
 110

manual drive wheel configuration 2.7.2

manual mobility device (MMD) 1.1.4
manual standing wheelchair 1.2.4.5
manual wheelchair (MWC) 1.2.1
manual wheelchair with lateral tilt 1.2.4.4
manual wheelchair with recline 1.2.4.1
manual wheelchair with tilt 1.2.4.2
manual wheelchair with tilt and recline 1.2.4.3
manual wheeled mobility device (MMD) 1.1.4
mass of heaviest part 4.18.14
maximum lower body width 4.8.31
maximum occupant mass 4.18.15
maximum sitting depth 4.8.3
maximum sitting height 4.8.17
maximum sitting width 4.8.32
maximum user mass (deprecated) 4.18.15
mechanical switch drive control 2.9.2.5
medial 4.4.6
medial knee support (MKS) 3.4.3.1
medial knee support block 3.4.3.2
medial knee support frontal angle (MKSfang) 4.9.37
medial knee support sagittal angle (MKSsang) 4.9.36
medial knee support transverse angle (MKStang) 4.9.38
medial knee to centerline 4.8.34
medial support 3.4.3
medial support depth 4.15.5
medial support length 4.15.6
medial support thickness 4.15.7
medial thigh support 3.4.3.3
medial thigh support height 4.10.13
memory seating 2.10.3
mid-wheel drive 2.7.1.2
mid-wheel propulsion 2.7.2.2
mobility assistive equipment (deprecated) 1.1.1
mobility base 2.1.1
mobility-related assistive technology device (MRATD) 1.1.1
mobility assistive equipment (deprecated) 1.1.1
modular 3.2.15
molded (deprecated) 3.2.8
momentary switch control 2.9.5
motor 2.8.9
 111

N
neck ring (deprecated) 3.3.6
non-adjustable rehab seat 2.1.12
non-proportional (digital) drive control 2.9.2.2
non-deforming foam or matrix 3.5.13
non-expandable controller 2.9.1.1
non-proportional joystick 2.9.3.3

O
obliquity pad (deprecated) 3.4.6.1
occipital ring (deprecated) 3.3.6
occiput depth 4.8.9
occiput height 4.8.15
occiput to C7 4.8.36
occiput to centerline 4.8.35
occupant 1.4.2
occupant adjustable 3.2.16
occupant restraint 1.5.2
occupied wheelchair depth 4.18.3
occupied wheelchair height 4.18.8
occupied wheelchair width 4.18.6
off-board battery charger 2.8.17
on-board battery charger 2.8.16
one-arm drive 2.4.1
open cell foam 3.5.8
operator 1.4.1
other manual mobility devices 1.2.7
other power mobility devices 1.3.6
outside back support width 4.11.3
outside head support width 4.12.3
outside shell width (deprecated) 4.11.4
overall back support width 4.11.4
overall head support width 4.12.4
overall height folded (deprecated) 4.18.11
overall length (deprecated) 4.18.1
overall length folded (deprecated) 4.18.12
overall wheelchair depth 4.18.1
overall wheelchair height 4.18.7
overall wheelchair width 4.18.5
overall width folded (deprecated) 4.18.13
overlay 3.5.14
 112

P
parking brake 2.8.1
pediatric adaptive stroller 1.2.5.3
pediatric transport wheelchair 1.2.5.3
pelvic belt 1.5.19
pelvic contour area 3.3.1.10
pelvic contour-depth 4.10.11
pelvic contour height (deprecated) 4.10.11
pelvic contour-length 4.10.10
pelvic contour-width 4.10.9
pelvic positioning belt 3.4.1.5
pelvic restraint (deprecated) 1.5.19
pelvic strap (deprecated) 3.4.1.5
pivot drive wheel 2.5.5
pivot wheel 2.5.4
planar 3.2.6
pneumatic tire 2.5.27
pommel (deprecated) 3.4.3.2
posterior 4.4.2
posterior foot support 3.4.2.2
posterior support 3.4.2
posterior upper arm support 3.4.2.1
posterior well (deprecated) 3.3.1.10
postural support device (PSD) 3.1.4
postural support device AP location (PSDxloc) 4.16.3
postural support device assembly 3.1.3
postural support device attachment hardware 3.1.8
postural support device component 3.1.5
postural support device lateral location (PSDzloc) 4.16.4
postural support device location (PSDloc) 4.16.1
postural support device mounting hardware 3.1.7
postural support device vertical location (PSDyloc) 4.16.2
postural support system (deprecated) 3.1.1; 3.1.2
POV – power operated vehicle 1.3.5
power add-on unit 2.4.5
power assist (deprecated) 2.4.4
power chair (deprecated) 1.3.1
power drive wheel location 2.7.1
power lateral tilt 2.10.2.3
power mobility device (PMD) 1.1.5
power recline 2.10.2.1
power recline shear reduction 2.10.4
power seat elevation 2.10.2.4
power seat functions 2.10.2
 113

power standing 2.10.2.5

power tilt 2.10.2.2
power wheelchair with integrated seating 1.3.2
power wheelchair (PWC) 1.3.1
power wheeled mobility device (PMD) 1.1.5
powered chair (deprecated) 1.3.1
powered wheelchair (deprecated) 1.3.1
powerbase 2.1.10
powerbase wheelchair 1.3.3
pre-contoured 3.2.7
pressure redistribution 3.5.35
pressure reduction (deprecated) 3.5.35
pressure relief (deprecated) 3.5.35
primary support surfaces 3.1.12
procline 3.2.2
propelling wheel diameter (deprecated) 2.6.4
proportional (analog) drive control 2.9.2.1
protractor (deprecated) 3.4.2.1
PSIS height 4.8.14
pull-to-lock wheel locks 2.8.3
push brace (deprecated) 2.2.9
push chair (deprecated) 1.2.5; 1.2.5.2; 1.2.5.3
push handle 2.2.9
push wheelchair (deprecated) 1.2.5; 1.2.5.2; 1.2.5.3
pushrim (deprecated) 2.5.19
push-rim activated power assist (deprecated) 2.4.4
push-to-lock wheel locks 2.8.2

Q
quick-release axles 2.5.17

R
reactive support surface 3.5.21
rear pivot tilt 2.10.1.1
rear seat frame height 4.17.6
rear seat frame width 4.17.4
rear wheel axle adjustability 2.5.18
rear wheel spacing 2.6.3
rearward trailing position 2.5.15
rearward-facing 1.5.4
rear-wheel drive 2.7.1.1
rear-wheel propulsion 2.7.2.1
recline 3.2.1
 114

reduced overall wheelchair depth 4.18.2

reference plane 4.2.1
relative angle 4.5.1
removable 3.2.10
restraint harness 1.5.21
retractable (scissor) wheel locks 2.8.4
reverse configuration (deprecated) 2.7.2.3
reversible propulsion 2.7.2.4
rigid frame 2.1.5
rigid pelvic stabilizer 3.4.1.6
rigid seat insert (deprecated) 3.3.1.6
rigidizer (deprecated) 3.3.1.6
rigidizer bar 2.2.7
rollabout chair (deprecated) 1.2.5; 1.2.5.2; 1.2.5.3
running brake 2.8.8

S
sag compensator (deprecated) 3.3.1.6
sagittal abdominal angle (ABsang) 4.7.11
sagittal angle (sang) 4.5.3
sagittal foot angle (FTsang) 4.7.13
sagittal head angle (HDsang) 4.7.8
sagittal lower leg angle (LLGsang) 4.7.12
sagittal pelvic angle (PSsang) 4.7.5
sagittal plane 4.2.3
sagittal sternal angle (STsang) 4.7.10
sagittal thigh angle (THIsang) 4.7.7
sagittal trunk angle (TKsang) 4.7.6
sagittal upper trunk angle (UTKsang) 4.7.9
scapular height 4.8.12
scoliosis pad (deprecated) 3.4.4.3
scooter 1.3.5
seat 3.3.1
seat angle (deprecated) 4.9.9
seat back (deprecated) 3.3.2
seat bottom (deprecated) 3.3.1
seat cushion 3.3.1.5
seat depth 4.10.4
seat depth at bottom 4.10.6
seat dump (deprecated) 3.3.1.7
seat footprint depth 4.10.6
seat footprint width 4.10.3
seat frame 2.1.7
 115

seat frame depth 4.17.1

seat frame width 4.17.2
seat frontal angle (SEATfang) 4.9.10
seat height (deprecated) 4.10.14
seat inclination (deprecated) 4.9.9
seat pad (deprecated) 3.3.1.5
seat pan to foot support 4.17.7
seat pillow (deprecated) 3.3.1.5
seat plane angle (deprecated) 4.9.9
seat rail 2.1.7
seat reference plane 4.2.7.2
seat reference point 4.3.3
seat sagittal angle (SEATsang) 4.9.9
seat sling to foot support 4.17.7
seat sling to footrest (deprecated) 4.17.7
seat slope (deprecated) 4.9.9
seat support (deprecated) 3.3.1
seat surface depth (deprecated) 4.10.4
seat surface height at front edge 4.10.14
seat surface to foot support 4.10.15
seat thickness 4.10.7
seat thickness at front 4.10.8
seat tilt (deprecated) 4.9.9
seat to back angle (deprecated) 4.9.1
seat to back support angle (S-BS) 4.9.1
seat to backrest angle (deprecated) 4.9.1
seat to floor height (deprecated) 4.10.14
seat to foot support (deprecated) 4.10.15; 4.17.7
seat to footrest length (deprecated) 4.17.7
seat to leg angle (deprecated) 4.9.4
seat to lower back support angle (S-LBS) 4.9.2
seat to lower leg support angle (S-LLS) 4.9.4
seat to upper back support angle (S-UBS) 4.9.3
seat transverse angle (SEATtang) 4.9.11
seat width 4.10.1
seat width at bottom 4.10.3
seated reference position (SRP) 4.3.1
seating system 3.1.2
seating support surfaces 3.1.11
seating support system 3.1.2
secondary support surfaces 3.1.13
securement points 1.5.16
segmented 3.5.23
semi-pneumatic tire 2.5.28
 116

set-up seat depth (deprecated) 4.10.5

shoulder belt 1.5.18
shoulder height 4.8.13
shoulder width 4.8.23
shower chair (deprecated) 1.2.6.1
shower wheelchair 1.2.6.1
side support (deprecated) 3.4.4
sip-n-puff device 2.9.3.4
sitting depth (deprecated) 4.8.1
skirt guard (deprecated) 2.3.2
sling back 3.3.2.2
sling seat 3.3.1.2
sloping seat (deprecated) 3.3.1.7
solid 3.5.2
solid back support 3.3.2.3
solid insert (deprecated) 3.3.1.6
solid seat insert 3.3.1.6
solid tire 2.5.29
specialty power wheelchair 1.3.4
spoke guards 2.3.3
spoke wheel 2.5.24
sport specific manual wheelchair 1.2.3
stair climbing wheelchair 1.3.4.2
standard configuration (deprecated) 2.7.2.1
standard drive control 2.9.2.3
standard manual wheelchair 1.2.2
standard manual wheelchair with MINIMAL-adjustment frame 1.2.2.3
standard manual wheelchair with NON-adjustable frame 1.2.2.1
standard manual wheelchair with SINGLE-adjustment frame 1.2.2.2
standard proportional joystick 2.9.3.1
standard upright manual wheelchair 1.2.2
stand-up wheelchair (deprecated) 1.2.4.5
steering system 2.5.31
sternal length 4.8.19
stiffness 3.5.27
stop switch 2.9.6
stowage depth 4.18.12
stowage height 4.18.11
stowage width 4.18.13
strap 1.5.12
stroller (deprecated) 1.2.5.3
stroller handle 2.2.12
superior 4.4.3
superior foot support 3.4.5.3
 117

superior forearm support 3.4.5.1

superior support 3.4.5
superior thigh support 3.4.5.2
support surface 3.1.6
support surface axis system (SSAS) 4.1.4
support surface geometric center (SSGC) 4.3.8
support surface reference line 4.3.7
support surface reference plane 4.2.7
support surface reference position (SSRP) 4.3.2
suspension 2.3.4
swing-away 3.2.14
switched joystick 2.9.3.3

T
T-back 3.3.2.6
tab length (deprecated) 2.6.6
tension adjustable 3.2.19
thickness (t) 4.6.5
thigh block (deprecated) 3.4.4.5
thigh height 4.8.16
thigh length (deprecated) 4.8.1
thigh reference plane (deprecated) 4.2.7.2
thigh strap (deprecated) 3.4.4.5; 3.4.5.2
thigh to lower leg angle (THI-LLG) 4.7.3
thigh to pelvis angle (THI-PS) 4.7.2
thigh to trunk angle (THI-TK) 4.7.1
thigh wedge (deprecated) 3.4.6.2
thoracic curve depth 4.8.7
three-point belt 1.5.17
three-point restraint (deprecated) 1.5.17
tiller 2.5.32
tilt 3.2.5
tilt-in-space (deprecated) 3.2.5
toe 2.6.8
toe cup (deprecated) 3.4.5.3
toe loop (deprecated) 3.4.5.3
toe-in (deprecated) 2.6.8
toe-out (deprecated) 2.6.8
toilet chair (deprecated) 1.2.6.2
toilet wheelchair 1.2.6.2
tool adjustable 3.2.18
total seat depth (deprecated) 4.10.4
total wheelchair mass 4.18.16
 118

touch-pad (tablet control) 2.9.3.5

tracking technology 2.8.13
trailing position 2.5.13
transport chair (deprecated) 1.2.5; 1.2.5.2; 1.2.5.3
transport wheelchair 1.2.5
transverse angle (tang) 4.5.5
transverse foot angle (FTtang) 4.7.24
transverse head angle (HDtang) 4.7.22
transverse pelvic angle (PStang) 4.7.20
transverse plane 4.2.5
transverse thigh angle (THItang) 4.7.23
transverse trunk angle (TKtang) 4.7.21
trunk depth 4.8.8
trunk pad (deprecated) 3.4.4.3
trunk reference plane (deprecated) 4.2.7.1
turning circle (deprecated) 4.18.10
turning diameter 4.18.10
turning radius (deprecated) 4.18.10
two-pole motors 2.8.10
type of manual tilt 2.10.1

U
universal docking interface geometry (UDIG) 1.5.11
upper torso restraint (deprecated) 1.5.18
user (deprecated) 1.4.2
user adjustable (deprecated) 3.2.16
user seat depth (deprecated) 4.8.1

V
van style seat 2.1.11
variable positioning manual wheelchair 1.2.4
viscoelastic fluid 3.5.5
viscoelastic foam 3.5.6
viscous fluid 3.5.4

W
waist width 4.8.21
walking aid 1.1.2
water cushion 3.5.16
wedge seat (deprecated) 3.3.1.7
wheel axle horizontal location 2.6.1
wheel axle vertical location 2.6.2
 119

wheel diameter 2.6.4

wheel lock extension 2.8.6
wheel lock 2.8.1
wheelbase 4.18.4
wheelchair 1.1.6
wheelchair axis system (WAS) 4.1.3
wheelchair center point 4.3.4
wheelchair footprint 4.18.9
wheelchair frame 2.1.2
wheelchair ground plane 4.2.2
wheelchair sagittal reference plane 4.2.6
wheelchair seat pan 3.3.1.4
wheelchair securement adaptor 1.5.13
wheelchair tiedown 1.5.5
wheelchair tiedown adaptor 1.5.13
wheelchair-tiedown and occupant-restraint system (WTORS) 1.5.1
wheeled mobility base 2.1.1
wheeled mobility device (WMD) 1.1.3
width (w) 4.6.1

Z
zone 3.5.26
 120

APPENDIX: Wheeled Mobility Device Classification Scheme

Adapted from Shoemaker, et al (2010)
 121

Mobility-Related
Assistive Technology
Devices (MRATDs)

Ambulation Aids Wheeled Mobility Devices

(AA) (WMD)

Crutch Cane Walker Gait Trainer Other

Manual Wheeled
Power Wheeled
Mobility Devices
Mobility Devices (PMD)
(MMD)
 122

Manual Wheeled
Mobility Devices
(MMD)

Other Manual
Manual
Wheeled
Wheelchairs
Mobility Devices

Standard Upright Sport-specific Variable Positioning Transport ADL-specific manual

MWCs manual wheelchairs Manual Wheelchairs Wheelchairs wheelchairs

Adult transport
Standard MWC w/non-adjust frame MWC with tilt wheelchair
Dependent pediatric shower wheelchair
Standard MWC w/single-adjust frame MWC with recline variable positioning Pediatric adaptive
wheelchairs stroller toilet wheelchair
Standard MWC w/minimal-adjust frame MWC with tilt/recline
Fully-configurable standard MWC MWC with lateral tilt Aisle wheelchair
Manual standing
wheelchair
 123

Power Wheeled
Mobility
Devices (PMD)

Other Power
Power Wheelchairs Scooters (POVs)
Mobility Devices

PWC with Power base Specialty Power

Integrated Seating wheelchairs Wheelchairs