Broad hips

- Shape up in Cross 5 and Cross 6

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Broad hip, a pear shaped body, is a common body shape in women and needs to be supported to provide a comfortable and functional position for sitting and propulsion.

To optimise the seat width and the back support it can be an idea to take a smaller sized wheelchair and adding a widening kit which will add 10 mm each side. If possible test different seat widths.

The upper part of the back support can be "slimmed down" by placing Plush Wedges (1) under the cover. Depending on the back height you may choose short or long wedges. To place small Cell Foam Wedges (2) below the plush wedges is an excellent complement providing support in the waist area. A Widening Kit (3) will broaden the distance between the arm supports to allow more hip space.

If more rear space is required for the buttocks, more space can be created with the back support settings (4) and adding a Seat Extender (5).

Turning the arm support so the plates come closer to the body (6) can provide better support and also facilitate optimum positioning for propulsion and the ability to easily reach the handrims.

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1. Plush wedges

There are two lengths to choose between, 15 cm (6") and 30 cm (12"). Usually the short model is sufficient.

Attach the wedges with the Velcro facing forward, towards the back cover. 
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2. Cell Foam Wedges

These wedges are slightly wider but lower than the plush wedges.

They attach to the back cover with included self adhesive Velcro.
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3. Widening Kit

To choose a widening kit instead of a larger seat width is the perfect solution when the seat is slightly too narrow since it only broadens the seat width approximately 1.5 cm (½").
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4. Back Support Adjustment

Angle the seat to back angle posteriorly, slacken the lower tension adjustable back strap and place the cover with plenty of room at rear.

Carefully adjust the lumbar angle to achieve an upright upper body.

Add a Seat Extender.
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5. Seat Extender

The seat extender strap creates an additional 7 cm to the seat depth. The strap is easy to fit securely with the new easy access attachment on Cross 6.

Make sure the seat extension strap is attached correctly according to it's assembly instructions. Slacken all tension adjustable back straps so the back cover can create a big fold. These settings create additional rear space.
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6. Arm Support

Turning the arm support can be an option, though it may create a conflict with the back support settings. Also make sure it does not limit the transfer method.
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Pressure distributor

The pressure distributors are a useful accessory that can be added to create a feeling of a wider back and to add extra comfort where needed to avoid peak pressure.
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Example of accessory placement

Example of accessories placed on the back support. Here with the seat extender strap to create extra rear space, and the pressure distributors that are used to add extra support and comfort for the hips.

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