Impact of Cross Slope and Surface Type on Wheelchair Propulsion
Jui-Te Lin, BS, Dan Ding, PhD, Shivayogi Hiremath, MS, Alicia Koontz, PhD, Rory Cooper, PhD
Dept. of Rehab. Science & Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261; Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

ABSTRACT

 

The objective of this study was to evaluate wheelchair propulsion biomechanics under cross-slope degrees and surface types. Testing course consisted of three cross-slopes (0˚, 1˚, and 2˚) and three types of surfaces (Blind-Guide, Teflon, and Wood). We compared biomechanics data using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. The result showed that the resultant force, torque, and cadence were not significantly different between surface types and cross slope conditions. While self-selected speeds decreased with the increase of cross slope angles (p=0.026) and subjects tended to slow down on the Teflon surface. Push angle had liner decreasing relation with increasing cross slope angles and remained consistently larger among subjects on the Teflon surface. These results indicate that slight cross-slopes, slippery and rough surfaces may not result in significant biomechanics loading on a short duration. However, the difference noted between degrees and surfaces highlight the change of push pattern and decrease propulsion efficiency.

KEYWORDS

Cross-Slope; Surface Type; Kinetic; SmartWheel, Wheelchair Propulsion

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This work is supported in part by the US Access Board TPD-ARC-07-00090 and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service Center of Excellence for Wheelchairs and Rehabilitation Engineering (B3142C).

AUTHOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Jui-Te Lin, Human Engineering Research Laboratories, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Phone: (412) 954-5316, Email:jul51@pitt.edu

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