An Analysis of Racing Wheelchairs used at the 1980 Olympic Games for the Disabled

Abstract

Photometric analysis of racing wheelchairs used by athletes at the 1980 Olympic Games for the Disabled, held at Arnham, Holland, was undertaken. Chairs were classified by the level of success achieved in them and by the distances over which they were raced. For each chair the position and orientation of the seat was measured, as were the length and the width of the wheelchair frame. In addition, mainwheel camber and handrim diameter were measured.

Significant differences (at or beyond the .05 level) in wheelchair construction were recorded. The more successful wheelchairs were characterized by (1) lower seats, (2) the seat base at a comparatively higher angle to the horizontal, (3) narrower frame, (4) smaller handrims. The chairs used in distance events differed significantly from those used in sprints in (1) a more rearward placement of the seat, (2) lower placement of the seat, (3) longer chair frame and (4) narrower frame construction.

Key Words:

• photometric analysis
• wheelchair construction
• Olympic Games for the Disabled
• racing wheelchairs