The influence of wheelchair propulsion technique on upper extremity muscle demand: a simulation study.

Background: The majority of manual wheelchair users will experience upper extremity injuries or pain, in part due to the high force requirements, repetitive motion and extreme joint postures associated with wheelchair propulsion. Recent studies have identified cadence, contact angle and peak force as important factors for reducing upper extremity demand during propulsion. However, studies often make comparisons between populations (e.

The effects of four different stroke patterns on manual wheelchair propulsion and upper limb muscle strain.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of stroke pattern on handrim biomechanics and upper limb electromyography (EMG) in experienced wheelchair users.

Method: Subjects propelled their own wheelchair on a level, motor-driven treadmill using each of four identified stroke patterns: arcing, double loop (DL), semi-circular (SC) and single loop (SL). Upper limb EMG and measurements taken from an instrumented wheelchair wheel were compared for each pattern.

Validation of a biofeedback system for wheelchair propulsion training.

This paper describes the design and validation of the OptiPush Biofeedback System, a commercially available, instrumented wheel system that records handrim biomechanics and provides stroke-by-stroke biofeedback and targeting for 11 propulsion variables. Testing of the system revealed accurate measurement of wheel angle (0.02% error), wheel speed (0.

Effects of single-variable biofeedback on wheelchair handrim biomechanics.

Objective: To determine the effects of single-variable biofeedback on select wheelchair propulsion variables.

Design: Within-subject comparisons.

Setting: Biomechanics laboratory.

The influence of altering push force effectiveness on upper extremity demand during wheelchair propulsion.

Manual wheelchair propulsion has been linked to a high incidence of overuse injury and pain in the upper extremity, which may be caused by the high load requirements and low mechanical efficiency of the task. Previous studies have suggested that poor mechanical efficiency may be due to a low effective handrim force (i.e.

Evaluation of wheelchair tire rolling resistance using dynamometer-based coast-down tests.

The objective of this study was to compare the rolling resistance of four common manual wheelchair tires (two pneumatic and two airless solid) and the solid tires used on a commercially available force- and moment-sensing wheel. Coast-down tests were performed with a wheelchair positioned on a two-drum dynamometer. Within each of three load conditions, tire type had a significant effect on rolling resistance (p < 0.

Redefining the manual wheelchair stroke cycle: identification and impact of nonpropulsive pushrim contact.

Objectives: To create a comprehensive definition of the manual wheelchair stroke cycle, which includes multiple periods of pushrim contact, and to show its improved clinical benefit to wheelchair propulsion analyses.

Design: Cross-sectional biomechanics study.

Setting: Three motion analysis laboratories.

Curb descent testing of suspension manual wheelchairs.

Manual wheelchair users are subjected to whole-body vibrations (WBV) on a regular basis as they traverse obstacles and uneven surfaces. One way users could protect themselves from secondary injuries related to WBV is by using a suspension manual wheelchair. This study investigated the ability of suspension manual wheelchairs to reduce seat accelerations during curb descents of various heights (5, 10, and 15 cm).

Fatigue testing of selected suspension manual wheelchairs using ANSI/RESNA standards.

Objectives: To evaluate the durability and value of 3 common suspension manual wheelchairs and to compare the results with those of previously tested lightweight and ultra-lightweight folding-frame wheelchairs.

Design: Standardized fatigue testing and cost analysis of 3 suspension manual wheelchairs from 3 different manufacturers.

Setting: A rehabilitation engineering center.