Anthropometric data for wheelchair users: a systematic literature review

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human Factors Engineering
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Wheelchair users have unique needs for product and space design.
• Existing anthropometric data for wheelchair users is insufficient.
• Standardized data is crucial for effective design and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize and compare existing anthropometric data for wheelchair users.
• To identify limitations and inconsistencies in current literature.
• To provide a foundation for future research and development.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review methodology.
• Defined inclusion and exclusion criteria for article selection.
• Analysis of 41 selected articles on wheelchair user anthropometrics.

Main Results:

• Significant scarcity of available anthropometric information for wheelchair users.
• Inconsistency in measurement parameters, sample demographics, and methodologies across studies.
• Methodological disparities impede robust data comparison and application.

Conclusions:

• Current anthropometric data for wheelchair users is limited and inconsistent.
• Addressing these gaps is essential for informed design of products and environments.
• This review offers critical insights for future research and development targeting wheelchair users.