Age-related changes to wheelchair efficiency and sprint power output in novice able-bodied males

Abstract

This study examined the effect of age on sub-maximal wheelchair propulsion efficiency and sprint power output (SPO) in inexperienced able-bodied males. Two age groups were used for this study: a younger adult group (N = 10; mean age 24.8 ± 3.0 years) and an older adult group (N = 8; mean age 70.9 ± 5.2 years). No one had prior manual wheelchair experience. The primary outcome measures were gross mechanical efficiency (GME), mechanical effectiveness (ME) during sub-maximal treadmill wheeling and SPO during a max sprint test. There were no significant differences in GME; however, there was a significant difference in ME [0.74 ± 0.12 and 0.62 ± 0.08 (p = 0.007)] and sprint test [SPO = 224.66 ± 79.25 and 125.98 ± 53.02 (W) (p = 0.008)], for younger and older adults, respectively. Healthy, active older individuals can have a physiological capacity similar to younger populations to wheel sub-maximally, but their ME and lower SPO reduce the ability to propel manual wheelchairs during maximal wheeling.

Abstract

Practitioner summary: Understanding the potential for older adults to propel wheelchairs is important as the population ages with disabilities. This study demonstrated significantly lower ME but not GME in older versus younger adult populations. Strength training may be needed to keep older adults active in manual wheelchairs.

Keywords::

• older adults
• wheelchair propulsion
• biomechanics
• energetics
• mechanical efficiency

Acknowledgements

A part of this paper was previously presented at the 30th International Seating Symposium. March 5-7, 2014, Vancouver British Columbia (Hers, Sheel, and Sawatzky 2014).

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Notes

^1. Email: [email protected]

^2. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Funding

Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada RGPIN 249489-07.