Resting the back and the feet at the same time is the first check for an armchair intended for shorter people. If the seat is too deep, the person slides their pelvis forward to reach the floor; if it is too high, the feet stay suspended and standing up begins from an unstable base.
Measuring overall height alone is not enough. Two people of the same stature can have very different legs, thighs and torsos, so you need at least popliteal height, the length from the pelvis to the back of the knee, and the width and height of the trunk.
Assessing Sollevita means choosing a proportionate depth, observing how it relates to the armrests and footrest, and testing the stand-assist function without forcing the person to slide forward before the movement begins.
In brief
- A seat that is too deep often forces a petite person to push their pelvis forward and lose contact with the backrest.
- A seat that is too high leaves the feet suspended and can make preparing to stand less predictable.
- Popliteal height and pelvis-to-knee length describe the correct size far better than stature alone.
- The armrests and the Push Head should be checked only after the pelvis and back have been positioned correctly.
- The trial must include active sitting, resting, returning to a neutral position and the stand-assist function.
The clearest sign: back supported or feet on the floor
Sitting right back straight away shows immediately whether the depth is excessive. When the front edge of the seat comes too close to the crook of the knee, the person may feel pressure or be unable to bend their legs naturally.
Pushing the pelvis forward to get the feet down solves one problem and creates another. The lower back loses contact, the trunk can slump and the headrest stays too far away to support the head.
Using a separate footstool can provide support while resting, but it does not correct the relationship between the pelvis, the backrest and the stand-assist function. The footstool also does not follow the armchair’s movements and has to be moved out of the way before standing.
Reducing the depth, by contrast, lets the person reach the backrest without compressing the back of the knee. The measurement should be checked wearing the clothes and footwear normally used, because even small thicknesses can change the trial.
The four measurements to take
Measuring popliteal height means recording the distance from the floor to the crease at the back of the knee with the foot flat on the ground. This figure guides the seat height, but it must be read together with footwear, cushion compression and the ability to stand up.
Measuring pelvis-to-knee length means recording the distance from the back of the pelvis to the crease of the knee. The usable depth should support most of the thigh while leaving a clear space behind the knee.
Measuring the width of the pelvis avoids compensating for shorter stature with an overly narrow seat. The person must have enough room for clothing and shifts in position without losing the lateral support of the armrests.
Measuring the height of the torso up to the head lets you check the backrest and the Push Head. A shorter person may have a relatively long torso, so an armchair with a reduced backrest should not be chosen automatically.
| Measurement | How to take it | Typical error if ignored | Observable compensation | Adjustment to try |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popliteal height | Floor to the crease of the knee with the foot flat | Seat too high | Feet suspended or resting on the toes | Lower setting or a less thick cushion |
| Pelvis-to-knee length | Pelvis to the crease at the back of the knee | Seat too deep | Pelvis pushed forward and back detached | Reduced depth |
| Width of the pelvis | Widest point when seated, in usual clothing | Armrests too close or too far apart | Lateral compression or an unstable body | Correct armrest width and position |
| Torso-to-head height | Seat to the top of the head | Headrest out of position | Head unsupported or pushed forward | Tall backrest and adjusted Push Head |
| Leg-to-foot length | Knee to the heel / toes depending on the footrest | Footrest out of proportion | Heels beyond the edge or legs unsupported | Footrest adjustment and extension |
Seat height and the stand-assist function
Getting the feet planted before starting the lift function creates a clearer base for the movement. A seat that is too high can push the pelvis upwards while the feet do not yet have stable contact.
Lowering the seat too far is not a universal solution, however. The knees and hips can bend a great deal and the person may need more help in the first phase of standing; the setting must therefore be tried, not deduced from an isolated formula.
Using the function in reverse shows whether the person can sit down without letting themselves drop. The seat must receive the pelvis gradually and keep the feet in a predictable position during the descent.
Stopping the movement at intermediate points helps identify the most useful setting. The trial should be carried out with the actual control and, where necessary, with the caregiver who will be present at home.
Reduced depth, armrests and Push Head work together
Shortening the seat brings the back closer to the backrest and also changes the position of the arms. Correctly set armrests should support the forearms without forcing the shoulders upwards.
Adjusting the Push Head makes sense only after the pelvis and back have been settled. If the person remains pushed forward, the headrest is often forced too far forward in an attempt to reach a head that should instead be brought closer by first correcting the depth.
Trying the top of the armrest at the table makes it clear whether the height and bulk are compatible. A petite person may need a different setting from the rest of the family in order to rest the forearms and bring the trunk closer to the tabletop.
Refitting the armrest after the meal restores a reference point for standing and resting. Modularity does not replace measurement: it lets you adapt the configuration to the activity.
Footrest and resting: supporting shorter legs without pushing the body
Opening the footrest should support the calves and heels without forcing the pelvis to slide. A very long footrest is not automatically a problem, but the support area must match the person’s leg.
Raising the legs with the control can make resting easier, provided the edge does not concentrate the support at a single point. The trial should include at least one intermediate position and the preferred configuration for the afternoon.
Using tilt-in-space can change the posture of the whole body while keeping the seat-to-backrest relationship more stable. The movement does not compensate for a seat that is too deep and should be adjusted after the basic measurements have been defined.
Returning from the resting position should be straightforward for the person or the caregiver. The feet and legs must not stay locked in a position that prevents preparing to stand.
First-party case: measuring a person, not a size
Photographing the person from the side with the tape measure visible shows more than a form filled in without context. The image can highlight the gap between the back and the backrest, the space behind the knee and how the feet rest, always with consent and respect for privacy.
Comparing two depths on the same person makes the difference obvious. With the standard seat the pelvis may push forward; with the reduced depth the back reaches the support and the foot stays closer to the floor.
Recording the act of standing too avoids choosing a size simply because it looks comfortable when still. The La Castellana team can observe how the feet are prepared, how the armrests are used and whether the lift needs to be stopped at an intermediate position.
Keeping the measurements in the order file makes the personalisation verifiable. First-party data is not generic stature, but the documented relationship between the body and the seat.
When a broader assessment is needed
Observing a marked asymmetry, scoliosis or reduced trunk control calls for more than a simple reduction in depth. An occupational therapist, physiotherapist or other suitably qualified professional can assess specific supports and postures.
Reporting pain behind the knee, numbness or rapid changes in mobility calls for a medical discussion. The armchair can be sized more accurately, but it must not become a diagnosis of the symptom.
Assessing a wheelchair or other aids already in use avoids incompatible measurements. The person may move between surfaces of different heights, and the armchair must fit into their real routine.
Reviewing the measurements when weight, footwear, cushions or sitting ability change keeps the configuration consistent over time.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the armchair on the basis of overall stature alone.
- Raising the seat to make the lift easier without checking how the feet rest.
- Adding cushions behind the back before checking the correct depth.
- Adjusting the Push Head to compensate for a back that does not reach the backrest.
- Trying only the seated position and not the descent, resting and standing.
- Confusing a petite person with someone who automatically needs a narrower armchair.
Next step
Take the popliteal height, pelvis-to-knee length, width of the pelvis and height of the torso with the person seated naturally.
Send the measurements and two side photographs with the tape measure visible: the Sollevita team can then compare depth, seat setting, armrests and foot support before the trial.
Essential references
- WHO, Wheelchair provision guidelines, 2023: assessment, fitting, training and follow-up.
- WHO, Wheelchair Service Training Package: principles for measuring seat height, depth and width.
- La Castellana, internal guide to personalising depth and seat measurements.
- Sollevita instruction manual for using the stand-assist function and the adjustable movements.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the most important measurement for a shorter person?
There is no single measurement. Popliteal height and pelvis-to-knee length are decisive for seat height and depth, but they must be read together with width, torso and everyday use.
Does a lower seat always make it easier to rest the feet?
It can help, but if it is too low it increases the bend of the knees and hips. The correct setting needs to be tried while sitting and while standing up.
Can I use a cushion behind the back to shorten the seat?
A support chosen by a professional may have a role, but a random cushion changes support, stability and the position of the head. It is better to consider a genuinely proportionate depth.
Does the stand-assist function solve a seat that is too deep?
No. It can accompany the act of standing, but the person still starts from a position in which the back and feet may be poorly supported.
Should the footrest be shortened for a petite person?
Not necessarily. What matters is where the calves and heels rest in the positions used. The adjustment must provide support without concentrating the load on the edge.
How do I send the measurements for a remote consultation?
Use a rigid tape measure, photograph the reading with consent, and note the footwear, the height of the chair used and the time of day when standing up is most difficult.
