Anthropometric data for wheelchair users: a systematic literature review

Abstract

The wheelchair user population has special requirements that should be met. However, existing anthropometric data for this specific population are limited. This article characterizes and compares the available literature on anthropometric data of wheelchair users to allow for better understandings and use of data in future studies. A systematic literature review was conducted, where inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. Forty-one articles were selected to be included in this review. The results show that there is limited information available on wheelchair users’ anthropometrics. There is a lack of consistency between studies, regarding the measurements collected, samples used and methods applied. These methodological issues and differences between studies make it difficult to ensure good comparisons of databases and populations and proper designs of spaces and equipment. This study provides valuable information for future studies that need to use anthropometric data, for research and development of new products targeting wheelchair users.

Keywords:

• anthropometry
• disability
• mobility impairment
• body size
• inclusivity

ORCID

Sara Bragança http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4765-3856

Eric Costa http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6286-1779

Pedro Arezes http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9421-9123

Miguel Carvalho http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8010-6478