OBJECTIVES: To compare the energy efficiency of straight-line wheeling using Spinergy wheels as compared with standard steel-spoke wheels, and to assess the 2 wheels in terms of user comfort and wheeling preference during a wheeling course with multiple turns and surfaces. DESIGN: Nonblinded randomized crossover trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty persons with paraplegia (neurologic level T6 and below). INTERVENTION: Wheeling a straight line and obstacle course with Spinergy or standard spoke wheelchair wheels. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Velocity and Physiological Cost Index (PCI) while wheeling over ground at a self-selected pace, and the User Preference Questionnaire after wheeling an obstacle course, using Spinergy or standard spoke wheelchair wheels. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in wheeling energy efficiency between the Spinergy and the steel-spoke wheels as measured by PCI ( P =.975). When rated for overall comfort, the Spinergy wheels were preferred over steel-spoke wheels ( P =.002). CONCLUSIONS: Spinergy wheels provided a more comfortable ride, but did not differ from standard steel-spoked wheels in terms of energy efficiency. The increased comfort may have important implications in patient management of pain and spasticity.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: To compare the energy efficiency of straight-line wheeling using Spinergy wheels as compared with standard steel-spoke wheels, and to assess the 2 wheels in terms of user comfort and wheeling preference during a wheeling course with multiple turns and surfaces. DESIGN: Nonblinded randomized crossover trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty persons with paraplegia (neurologic level T6 and below). INTERVENTION: Wheeling a straight line and obstacle course with Spinergy or standard spoke wheelchair wheels. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Velocity and Physiological Cost Index (PCI) while wheeling over ground at a self-selected pace, and the User Preference Questionnaire after wheeling an obstacle course, using Spinergy or standard spoke wheelchair wheels. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in wheeling energy efficiency between the Spinergy and the steel-spoke wheels as measured by PCI ( P =.975). When rated for overall comfort, the Spinergy wheels were preferred over steel-spoke wheels ( P =.002). CONCLUSIONS: Spinergy wheels provided a more comfortable ride, but did not differ from standard steel-spoked wheels in terms of energy efficiency. The increased comfort may have important implications in patient management of pain and spasticity.