OBJECTIVES: To test (1) whether a prototype variable-ratio pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchair would decrease effort and perceived exertion associated with wheeling and (2) whether the prototype would be acceptable to elders. DESIGN: Repeated-measures design. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven elderly wheelers (mean age +/- standard deviation, 70.7+/-7.8 y). INTERVENTIONS: Wheelers propelled their own wheelchairs and the prototype on a level surface, a carpet, and an incline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surface electromyographic activity from upper limb and torso, heart rate, number of pushes, category-ratio scale of perceived exertion, and Consumer Assessment of Power Assist Wheelchairs. RESULTS: Compared with subjects' own manual wheelchairs, the prototype was associated with lower heart rate elevation (P<.0125), lower perceived exertion (P<.0125), and reduced electromyographic activity in 5 of 8 muscles. Of the 11 participants, 10 found the prototype to be "very easy" or "easy" to push on level and inclined surfaces; 9 gave that assessment on carpeted and inclined surfaces. Seven would "definitely" or "probably" trade their manual chairs for the power-assist chair if given the opportunity. Nine thought they would venture to new and different places in a power-assist wheelchair. Time and number of pushes to complete tasks did not differ significantly between chairs. CONCLUSIONS: The prototype reduced the effort associated with wheeling and was an acceptable alternative to manual wheelchairs. Further testing outside the laboratory is warranted.
OBJECTIVES: To test (1) whether a prototype variable-ratio pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchair would decrease effort and perceived exertion associated with wheeling and (2) whether the prototype would be acceptable to elders. DESIGN: Repeated-measures design. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven elderly wheelers (mean age +/- standard deviation, 70.7+/-7.8 y). INTERVENTIONS: Wheelers propelled their own wheelchairs and the prototype on a level surface, a carpet, and an incline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surface electromyographic activity from upper limb and torso, heart rate, number of pushes, category-ratio scale of perceived exertion, and Consumer Assessment of Power Assist Wheelchairs. RESULTS: Compared with subjects' own manual wheelchairs, the prototype was associated with lower heart rate elevation (P<.0125), lower perceived exertion (P<.0125), and reduced electromyographic activity in 5 of 8 muscles. Of the 11 participants, 10 found the prototype to be "very easy" or "easy" to push on level and inclined surfaces; 9 gave that assessment on carpeted and inclined surfaces. Seven would "definitely" or "probably" trade their manual chairs for the power-assist chair if given the opportunity. Nine thought they would venture to new and different places in a power-assist wheelchair. Time and number of pushes to complete tasks did not differ significantly between chairs. CONCLUSIONS: The prototype reduced the effort associated with wheeling and was an acceptable alternative to manual wheelchairs. Further testing outside the laboratory is warranted.
Authors: Charles E Levy; Matthew P Buman; John W Chow; Mark D Tillman; Kimberly A Fournier; Peter Giacobbi Journal: Am J Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2010-08 Impact factor: 2.159
Authors: Richard Simpson; Edmund LoPresti; Steve Hayashi; Songfeng Guo; Dan Ding; William Ammer; Vinod Sharma; Rory Cooper Journal: J Neuroeng Rehabil Date: 2005-10-03 Impact factor: 4.262