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BlazeSports Institute

for Applied Science

CDSS Level I & II Curriculum

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Manual Sport Chairs: Sizing, Fitting, Transfers,

Maintenance and Repair

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We would like to thank

Brock Beasley, ATP, RRTS, CDSS

of Alliance Seating and Mobility

for his contributions to the content of this presentation.

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WHAT WE’LL COVER

Common types of manual sports chairs

Components of sports chairsProper fit = PERFORMANCERoutine maintenanceTools neededTransfer safety

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COMMON TYPES OF MANUAL SPORTS CHAIRS

Court ChairsBasketballSoftballFootballTennisRugbyDance

Racing ChairsRacing WheelchairHandcycleFourcross

Field Chairs

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COMMON TYPES OF MANUAL SPORTS CHAIRS

• Rigid, Custom Fit– Designed to fit your body and your specifications– Dimensions and accessories per your

specifications– Advanced materials– Purchased after at least one year of trial and

error with a adjustable chair• Adjustable

– Perfect for program chairs– Allows for changes in dump, backrest height and

center of gravity– Once chair can fit many different athletes/sports– NOT infinitely adjustable, still need to have a

“typical” athlete in mind if ordering for a program

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BASKETBALL CHAIRS

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TENNIS CHAIR

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SOFTBALL

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FOOTBALL

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RUGBY

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DANCE CHAIR

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COURT CHAIR BASICS1.Backrest2. Rear Axle3. Rear Wheels4. Hand rims5. Seat6. Frame7. Traverse Bar8 Front Rigging9.Footrests10.Front Casters11. Anti-Tip Casters

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BACKRESTS

• Program chairs should have an adjustable height and angle backrest– Height should be set to allow for support while

maximizing functional ability• More function = lower backrest

– Angle should be set for player comfort• Less function = Angle > 90 degrees

• Upholstery should be adjustable to allow for tension adjustments

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CUSHIONS

• The Sport Cushion gives wheelchair users pressure relief, reduces shearing and increases ventilation that allows for true heat and moisture control.

• There are cushion height limitations in wheelchair basketball.

• Program chairs need to have cushions cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.

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REAR WHEELS

• Four Basic Sizes for Court Chairs– Wheel size determined by frame size– 24” = 23 or 25 x 540 Tube/Tire– 25” = 23 or 25 x 559 Tube/Tire– 26” = 23 or 25 x 590 Tube/Tire– 700C = 23 x 622 Tube/Tire

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REAR WHEELS

• Parts of a Wheel1. Rim2. Spokes3. Bearings4. Hub

• Check spoketension daily– Tighten as

needed to keep wheeltrue

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HAND RIMS

• Options– Coated or Bare Metal

• Vinyl or Foam Coated– Aluminum or Titanium– 12-Tab or 6-Tab– Standard or Short Tab

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QUICK RELEASE AXLES

• Sizes– 4.5” to 5.5” by 0.25” Increments

• Length determined by hub size

• Adjustment– Nut– Spacers/Washers

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INNER TUBES

• Sizes– 24” x 1 = 23 or 25 x 540 Tube/Tire– 25” x 1 = 23 or 25 x 559 Tube/Tire– 26” x 1 = 23 or 25 x 590 Tube/Tire– 700C x 1 = 23 x 622 Tube/Tire

• Valves– Schrader– Presta

• Adapter for standard pumps

• Rim Tape– Protects tube

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INNER TUBES

• Pressure– 100 to 110 psi

• In a Bind…..– You can use larger tubes on smaller tires by

folding the tube over itself– You can typically use one size smaller tube (24”

tube on a 25” wheel)

• RecycleUsed tubes make great straps for rugby!!

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TIRES

• Tires are NOT All Equal!!– Kenda is manufacturer of choice

• Kontender• Koncept• Kaliente

– Know thecheappies!

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TIRES

• Invest– Spend a little more now for fewer problems

later• More puncture resistant• More durable tread• Better traction

– In a Bind…• Flip the tire (remove from rim and put inside on

outside of rim) when one side is work out, similar to rotating the tires on your car

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CHANGING TIRES & TUBES

http://youtu.be/x2_Qspr9Bog

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FRONT CASTERS

• Material– Solid Polyurethane

• Size– 3” & 4”

• Hardware– Wheelchair Caster Bolt Nut (5/16-24) – Wheelchair Caster Bolt (5/16-24 x 2.5) – Spacer for Wheelchair Front Axle – Caster– 5/16" Sealed Wheelchair Caster Bearings

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ANTI-TIP BARS

• Single & Double Configuration– Choice depends on sport and

position– Adjust height as needed– Standard on most court chairs

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STRAPPING

• Click Straps• Size

• Large = Hips• Medium = Thighs• Small = Feet

• Velcro Straps• Size

• Standard and Custom

• Use anywhere

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SIZING AND FITTING A SPORTS CHAIR

Standard Sports Chair• Seat Dimensions

– Width, Depth, Dump

• Back Dimensions– Height, Angle

• Camber of Wheels– Sport– Stability of chair– Controlling movement

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SIZING AND FITTING A SPORTS CHAIR

• Seat DepthMeasure from the most posterior point of the body to the inside of the knee, minus at least two inches.

• Seat WidthDetermined by the widest point of the body from knee to hip. Should be measured with clothing similar to what will be worn during activity.

• Back HeightMeasured from the seat base to the top of the chair back. Depends on how much upper back support is needed, and also affects freedom for the upper body to rotate. This is often very different for a sports chair compared to an everyday chair. Athletes with less trunk function may also want the backrest angled.

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SIZING AND FITTING A SPORTS CHAIR

• Rear Seat to FloorMeasurement from the ground to the rear seat edge. Relative to the front seat-to-floor dimension, this determines the rearward slope ("dump" or "squeeze") of the seat.

• Front Seat to FloorMeasure the leg from the back of the knee to the sole of the foot. Then subtract the thickness of the cushion when it is compressed. Next, add a minimum of two inches for footrest clearance. This will set the maximum chair height, not to exceed 21” or 53 cm.

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SIZING AND FITTING A SPORTS CHAIR

• Wheel CamberAngle of the wheel relative to the vertical. More camber improves stability and agility, but also limits ability to pass through narrow spaces. A typical daily chair uses three degrees of camber.

• Sport Chair Camber Options– 12, 15, 16, 18, 20 Degrees

• Tennis = 18-20 degrees

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FIELD CHAIRS

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FIELD CHAIRS

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FIELD CHAIR ACCESSORIES

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RACING CHAIRS

A complete training manual for track and field is available online and free of charge from BlazeSports.

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PARTS OF A RACING CHAIR• Cage: The seating area of a racing chair. It is built according

to an athlete’s body dimensions.• Main Tube: The base of the racing chair that bridges the

front wheel with the rear wheels.• Axle Tube: The tube running perpendicular to the main tube

into which the rear wheels attach.• Headset: Attaches the steering and front wheel to the main

tube.• Handle Bars: Attached to the headset and allows the

athlete to maneuver the front wheel.• Fork: Attached to the headset and serves to hold the front

wheel.• Hand Ring: A ring mounted onto the rear wheels used for

propulsion.• Hub: Axle housing and center of wheel.• Fenders: Side guards that provide protection for the torso

and arms from road debris and the rear wheels.

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PARTS OF A RACING CHAIR

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FITTING A RACING CHAIR

• Extension of the athlete's body– Oversized chair wastes energy

• Fit snug to athlete’s chest and hips– Should not create constant rubbing or restricted

blood flow

• Manufacturer’s Order Forms– Typically easy to understand but ALWAYS ask, do

not assume– Use manufacturer’s rep when possible

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TYPICAL MEASUREMENTS

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THE RIGHT POSITION

• No two athletes are the same• Primary position determinants

– Body Dimensions– Functional Ability

• Two seating Options– Tucked, kneeling– Extended

• Goals– Optimal sitting stability

• Angle of back seat posts and upholstery should conform to curvature of lower back

– Maximum coverage of hand ring

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CAMBER

• Camber– 7-13 Degrees, 11 to 13 most popular

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WHEELS

• Wheels– Rear = 700C– Front = 20”– Younger/Smaller Athletes

• Rear = 26” (590)• Front = 18”

– Spokes• Younger/Lighter = 24-28 spokes• Older/Heavier = 28-36 spokes

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WHEELS

• Wheels– Elite

• Carbon Fiber– Tri-spoke– Quad-spoke– Disc

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HAND RINGS

• Size– 10 to 16”

• Most Common– 14” Females– 14.5” Males– Carbon Fiber

– Benefits• Smaller = High Top Speed• Larger = Quicker Acceleration

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HAND RINGS

• Stand Offs– 1/16 to 1.5”– Contact

• Inside of ring use shorter stand off• Outside of ring use longer stand off

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TIRES

• 2 Types– Clincher

• Separate tube and tire casing– Sew-Up

• Tube and tire casing single unit

– Similarities• Performance• Profile (18mm)• Weight (165gm)• High Pressure (130 psi)

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TIRES

• Differences– Clincher

• Less maintenance• Install similar to court chair tire• Repairable for < $10

– Sew-Up• Glue on• Choice of elite racers for ease of tire change• NOT repairable, new tire > $60

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HANDCYCLES & FOURCROSS

• Types– Function

• Recreational• Touring• Racing• Off-Road• Downhill

– Seating• Upright, Recumbent, Kneeler

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HANDCYCLES & FOURCROSS

• Types– Steering

• Fork• Lean

– Seating• Upright• Recumbent• Kneeler

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HANDCYCLES & FOURCROSS

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HANDCYCLE FITTING

• Typical Dimensions1. Seat Width2. Wheel Base3. Crank Height4. Crank to Front Axle5. Crank to Backrest6. Back Height7. Camber

• 0, 3 or 6 degrees

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HANDCYCLE FITTING

• Typical Dimensions8. Crank Length9. Crank Width10. Footrest Width

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TOOL BAG• Tool Bag Inventory for One Athlete

– Tire/Tube Changing Tools• Tire Levers x 3• Bead Jack• Rim Tape• Presta Valve Adapter x 3• Pump

– Electric, Manual or CO2

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• Tool Bag Inventory for One Athlete– Phillips Screwdriver– Flathead Screwdriver– Spoke Wrench– Vice Grips– Crescent Wrench (at least 10”)– Standard Allen Keys– Metric Allen Keys– Thread Seal Tape– Tape Measure– Super Glue

TOOL BAG

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TOOL BAG• Tool Bag Inventory for One Athlete

– Rear Wheel Axle– Flat File– Rear wheel spacers – x 5– 3/8 Lock Nut x 4– 3/8” Wrench– 7/16” Wrench– 3/4” Wrench– Packing Tape– Athletic Tape– Hockey Tape– Cable Ties – 14” x 100

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TOOL BAG• Tool Bag Inventory for One Athlete

– Racing Supplies• Allen Head Bolts – Steering Handles and Steering

Collar x 2 each• Glove Rubber• Hand Ring Rubber• Tire Glue• Klister• Sandpaper• Headset SpacersAllen Head Bolts – Front Wheel x 2• Allen Head Bolts – Hand Ring Tab x 8• Allen Head Bolt Spacers – Hand Ring Tab x 16• 3/4 Compensator Nut or 5/8 Compensator Nut x 2• Presta Valve Extender x 2

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MAINTENANCE

• Maintenance is the key to many years of use– Very importance for personal chairs and program chairs

• Priority #1 – Keep Your Chair Clean!!– Stay healthy– Easier to detect problems

• Suggested maintenance tasks that every wheelchair owner/program should follow:

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MAINTENANCE

• Daily/Each Use– Clean upholstery– Check frame for cracks– Check tire pressure

• Inflation guidelines are on the outside of the tire (usually 100 psi). A quick check method is to pinch the outer walls of the tire – it should be firm.

– Check nuts and bolts and tighten as needed• Only replace bolts with those of the same grade or

strength rating.

– Check casters and rear wheels for obstructions to bearings

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MAINTENANCE

• Weekly– Check casters and forks

• Clean, free spinning, wear, damage

– Check rear wheels• Spokes intact and tight• Rims are in good condition• Hand rim tabs intact, no gouges• Clean axle housing and around the bearing• Wipe axles with a clean towel that contains a

few drops of oil

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MAINTENANCE

• Monthly– Wheel alignment

• Toe in / toe out. If your wheelchair tends to veer to one side while coasting, it could very well be that your wheels are out of alignment or that your spokes have become loose or damaged

– Frame• If you have not done this daily, inspect the

chair frame and all critical components for cracks – these should be reported to dealer as they may require welding or the entire frame may need to be replaced.

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MAINTENANCE

• As Needed– Upholstery

• Check your for cracks or tears where the fabric holds or where there are screws in the fabric.

• Wipe down your seat cushion daily, if the cover is removable wash separately each month.

– Tires• Replace tires when the tread becomes worn,

cracked, loose or when the side walls begin to bulge out when pumped with air.

• Tires that are only worn on one side but in otherwise good condition can be flipped.

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MAINTENANCE

• Annually– Lubricate

• Pivot points - use an all-purpose silicone lube spray

• Ball bearings

– Casters• Check your casters for cracks in the spokes

that may eventually cause the caster to collapse

• Check for excessive or uneven wear between front casters

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TRANSFERS• When assisting with a transfer:

– Ask if the person needs assistance transferring– Ask how they would like to transfer– Talk through the transfer before you start– Ask the person being transferred if they have any

medical issues you need to be aware of– Bend your knees while transferring. Move from

your hips and legs. Do not move people using your back.

– Do not leave your feet in place and twist your body at the waist during a transfer.

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TRANSFERS• When assisting with a transfer:

– Keep your arms in close to your body rather than stretching them out during a transfer. Place your feet as wide apart as your hips.

– Keep your back curved rather than holding it straight. Do not bend your head forward during a transfer.

– Never let the person you are moving hold or hug you around your neck while you are moving them.

– Stand very close to the person while transferring them.

– Plan your path/movements.– Use your body's momentum (force gained by

moving) to move the person.

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INDEPENDENT TRANSFERS• Unassisted/Independent Transfer:

– Spot new participants to ensure they are capable and safe.

– Have extra padding available.– Sport chair can be backed up against wall for

stability.– Set brakes on everyday chair if applicable.– Show participant where to place hands on sport

chair,• AND where NOT to place hands

– Scoot up in chair to prepare for transfer.– Move feet into position first.– Complete transfer.

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INDEPENDENT TRANSFERS

• Videos– Chair Transfer Unassisted http://vimeo.com/23354352 – Chair Transfer Partial Assist http://vimeo.com/23354232– Chair Transfer, Two-Person http://vimeo.com/23354171 – Chair Transfer, Two-Person http://vimeo.com/23354100 – Chair Transfer Back http://vimeo.com/23334767 – Chair Transfer Back, Two-Person

http://vimeo.com/23334632

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INDEPENDENT TRANSFERS

• Videos– Chair to Racing Chair Transfer– Racer to Chair– Handcycle Transfers

• Upright• Recumbent I, Recumbent II

– ATV

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SUMMARY

• One court chair can be used for many different sports and activities– While the set up for each activity may be a little different,

the same general rules apply to sizing and fitting

• Racing chairs and handcycles have their own criteria for sizing and fitting– Use the manufacturer’s rep if at all possible

• There are a number of tools that should be kept in a well stocked tool bag, don’t leave home without being prepared for anything!

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SUMMARY

• There are many components to a sports chair and they all need to be maintained on a regular basis– Have your athletes be responsible for the upkeep of

program chairs

• Transfers to sport chairs can be a difficult and daunting task for newly injured athletes– Know the proper process(es) to assist with transfers– Know the proper process for an independent transfer

• Have the athletes verbalize the process– Spot all transfers until you are confident they can be done

properly and safely– Have new staff and volunteers pass a skill check before

assisting with transfers

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HAVE FUN!

• Keeping ALL of your equipment:your body, mind and your chair in the best condition possible will make sure you can stay in the game and follow your dreams!

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REFERENCES

Morse, M., Hedrick, B., Hedrick, S., Figoni, S., & Little, J. (1995). Wheelchair Track & Field. Colorado Springs, CO: Wheelchair Sports, USA.