The influence of operator and wheelchair factors on wheelchair propulsion effort

Abstract

Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate the relative influence of operator and wheelchair factors on propulsion effort during over-ground wheelchair manoeuvres.

Method: This observational study included 23 full-time manual wheelchair users and 13 able-bodied subjects. The operator factors included shoulder position, aerobic capacity and propulsion strength. The wheelchair factors included system mass, weight distribution, and frictional loss in straight and turning trajectories. The performance of over-ground manoeuvres was defined as the propulsion effort measured by VO₂ as operators propelled along a modified figure-8 course on tile and carpet surfaces.

Results: According to our regression model, shoulder position was the only significant contributor within operator factors, whereas weight distribution was the only significant contributor within wheelchair factors in influencing propulsion efforts. When combining operator and mechanical factors in the regression model, weight distribution became the only significant contributor to influence propulsion effort.

Conclusion: Weight distribution and shoulder position had a significant influence on propulsion effort. These variables are related to the operator’s relationship to the drive wheels. However, system mass and muscle strength had the least influence on wheelchair manoeuvres. Our finding can help clinicians to improve wheelchair configurations and manufacturers to improve wheelchair design by understanding the importance of shoulder position and weight distribution.

Implication for rehabilitation

• Studying wheelchair manoeuvers by considering both wheelchair and operator factors might provide a unique insight to address the complex interactions among wheelchair designs and users.

• Propulsion effort decreases as percentage weight is increased on the drive wheels and the shoulder becomes more aligned with the axle position, which highlights the need to optimize wheelchair axle position.

• Wheelchair configuration, as represented by weight distribution, had a more significant influence on everyday manoeuvre than wheelchair mass does.

• It is essential for wheelchair users to choose a wheelchair that can match their daily needs and anthropometric measurements for saving propulsion efforts.

Keywords:

• Wheelchair
• rehabilitation
• physical fitness
• wheelchair design
• wheelchair manoeuvre
• propulsion effort

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. This work was completed as part of the Mobility RERC.

Additional information

Funding

This study is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) of the US Department of Health and Human Services under grant number 90RE5000-01-00.