Term
Back height / angle
Back height and back angle control how much trunk support you get and how your shoulders and arms can move. The “best” setting depends on comfort, posture needs, and how active the user is.
In simple terms
- Back height = how tall the back support is.
- Back angle = how upright or reclined it sits.
What it affects
- Trunk stability and fatigue over time
- Shoulder mechanics and reach to pushrims
- Comfort during long sitting
- Breathing mechanics for some users
- Balance and confidence during transfers
Common tradeoffs
- Higher back: more support, but may limit shoulder movement and feel restrictive for active propulsion.
- Lower back: more freedom and reach, but less support if posture control is limited.
- More reclined: can feel comfortable, but may change balance and make propulsion less efficient for some users.
- More upright: can improve reach and control, but may feel fatiguing without adequate support.
The goal is “supported and functional,” not simply “as upright as possible.”