If seat width is too narrow, which is a consequence?

• A. Increased pressure over greater trochanters
• B. Improved propulsion efficiency
• C. Decreased need to adjust seating
• D. Wider overall width

Answer: (A)

When seating width is too narrow, load is concentrated along the edges of the thighs and hips, increasing pressure on the greater trochanters. This occurs because the hips are pressed toward the seat edges, reducing the contact area and shifting weight away from the intended support points. The result is higher peak pressures over the greater trochanters, which raises the risk of skin breakdown, discomfort, and instability.

Prognosis for propulsion or adjustments isn’t improved by a narrow seat; a properly wide seat supports the ischial tuberosities and allows better weight distribution and stability, making propulsion more efficient. It also reduces the need for frequent readjustments rather than increasing them. The overall width change isn’t a direct consequence of the seat being narrow—the user’s body width isn’t altered by the chair, so “wider overall width” isn’t a consequence of a too-narrow seat.