While the number of overweight and obese people in the United States continues to increase — in a 2024 article, the Lancet warned that 213 million adults and more than 43 million children and young adults ages 5 to 24 years are expected to be overweight or obese by 2050 — education on specific considerations for bariatric seating and wheeled mobility, especially for clients with complex medical conditions, can be difficult to find.
These tools and resources cover a range of seating and mobility challenges, from taking accurate and complete measurements to configuring wheelchairs that have higher weight capacities, but can still fit into typical indoor spaces. All resources listed here demonstrate that successful bariatric seating and mobility systems go far beyond higher weight capacities and wider seats.
Bariatric Wheelchair Assessment Measuring Guide
A list of measurements — including individual knee width and buttock-to-thigh — that should be taken for bariatric wheelchair riders. Includes explanation of why both level 1 and level 2 measurements may need to be taken, plus a references list for additional information. Source: Sunrise Medical.
The Big Picture: Seating the Bariatric Client (webinar)
This CEU presentation focuses on measuring bariatric clients and appropriately accommodating excessive tissue when selecting seating and mobility devices. Talking points include the three anatomical measurements critical to the bariatric evaluation process, and clinically recognized bariatric body types and their impact on wheelchair stability. The one-hour webinar is IACET approved for 0.1 CEU; additional approvals are listed on the registration page. This webinar, presented by Motion Concepts’ Stephanie Tanguay, OT/L, ATP, has a $15 registration fee and is available to view on demand. Source: Numotion.
Considerations When Working with the Bariatric Population
Chapter 24 of Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide, second edition, includes sections on body mass index, bariatric body types, secondary diagnoses and conditions, pediatric bariatric, assessment, lower-extremity issues, panniculus and seat depth, equipment selection, household egress, and transportation. Chapter author Stephanie Tanguay, OT/L, ATP, clinical education specialist for Motion Concepts, includes videos that can be accessed online as well as measurement forms for bariatric wheelchair clients, clients with lymphedema, and clients with panniculi. Source: Seating and Wheeled Mobility: A Clinical Resource Guide, second edition, edited by Michelle L. Lange and Jean L. Minkel, published by Routledge.
How to Choose the Best Bariatric Wheelchair: A Checklist for Optimal Comfort & Safety
This educational article, written by Michelle McCullough, focuses mostly on manual wheelchairs propelled by caregivers. The story covers bariatric seating assessment, the risks of improper wheelchair fit, and wheelchair features to look for, such as pressure management systems and no-lift repositioning. The article is available in pdf format as well for easy downloading. Source: Broda.
Panniculus Measurements form
A downloadable form that takes the seating professional through measurements such as width at lateral thigh distal at widest aspect and width at lower leg at widest aspect. Source: iNRRTS, the International Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers.
Power Mobility for Individuals Who Are Bariatric
While this article focuses on power base considerations — such as motors designed for higher weight capacities, the importance of torque, and battery size — it also provides links to a three-part bariatric series on body shape, assessment and seating, and mobility base. There are also links to articles covering the basics of power mobility in general. Source: Sunrise Medical.
Seat Elevation: Why a Heavy-Duty Code Matters
Although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) agreed to Medicare coverage for power seat elevation on power wheelchairs in May 2023 — a huge win for industry stakeholders — discussions regarding appropriate allowables continued well into the following year. Ultimately, CMS created only one seat elevation code — E2298 — despite stakeholders’ request for a second bariatric seat elevation code with a separate allowable. This story contains interviews with seating experts and clinicians, who explain the physics and engineering behind bariatric seating, and how the absence of a bariatric seat elevation code threatens client access. Source: Mobility Management, August 2024 digital edition.
