KINEMATIC CHARACTERIZATION OF WHEELCHAIR PROPULSION

Sean Shimada, MS2,3, Rick Robertson, Ph.D.1,2,3, Rory Cooper, Ph.D.1,2,3, Michael Boninger, Ph.D.1,2,3 1Division PM&R, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pgh, PA 15261 2Dept. Rehab. Science & Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pgh, PA 15261 3Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Highland Dr Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pgh, PA 15206

KEYWORDS

WHEELCHAIR PROPULSION, KINEMATIC CHARACTERIZATION

ABSTRACT

There have been numerous studies that have investigated general wheelchair propulsion, although few have analyzed the relationship between the phases and stroke patterns. The purpose of this study was to identify and examine stroke characteristics with changes in speed. Six experienced wheelchair users were filmed with a three camera motion analysis system, while pushing a Quickie 1 wheelchair fitted with a force sensing wheel (SMARTWheel) [1]. Three distinctly different stroke patterns were identified from the kinematic analysis, which were uniquely different from the patterns characterized by previous studies. The PT, RT, CT, and PA were analyzed for six subjects at two speeds (3 and 5 mph). There were significant differences found for all four variables between the two speeds. Our analysis showed that individuals exhibiting a semi-circular stroke pattern may have had the most advantageous stroking technique.

ABSTRACT

There have been numerous studies that have investigated general wheelchair propulsion, although few have analyzed the relationship between the phases and stroke patterns. The purpose of this study was to identify and examine stroke characteristics with changes in speed. Six experienced wheelchair users were filmed with a three camera motion analysis system, while pushing a Quickie 1 wheelchair fitted with a force sensing wheel (SMARTWheel) [1]. Three distinctly different stroke patterns were identified from the kinematic analysis, which were uniquely different from the patterns characterized by previous studies. The PT, RT, CT, and PA were analyzed for six subjects at two speeds (3 and 5 mph). There were significant differences found for all four variables between the two speeds. Our analysis showed that individuals exhibiting a semi-circular stroke pattern may have had the most advantageous stroking technique.