There is a multiplicity of factors to consider when adjusting a wheelchair relative to the demands of a sport and, even beyond that, a specific position within the sport.  For example, similar to stand-up basketball, a “guard” benefits from a shorter, more agile wheelchair, whereas height would be a key factor for the “center.” Centers require a seat-to-floor measurement of up to 21 inches thus towering over the typical 16- to 19-inch seat-to-floor heights of everyday wheelchairs. On a somewhat similar note, a tennis wheelchair is designed to be nimble.  Its lightweight and highly cambered design enables the user to glide effortlessly across the court, changing direction with a tilt of the head, shift of the shoulders, or light brush against the wheel.

On the other end of the spectrum, quad rugby is a hard-hitting, fast-paced game. As such, the wheelchairs are heavy and low to the ground, with thick tubing that resembles tanks.  Every component of a rugby chair is designed to rock the opponent or render them immobile.  Regardless of its configuration a wheelchair with an adjustable frame is heavier and more prone to continual maintenance and repair than a rigid frame but provides the novice user a greater degree of adjustability in seating position.