Evaluation of propulsion technique, wheelchair-user interface and wheelchair mechanics using commercial measurement wheels: WHEEL-i

Wheeled mobility is a worldwide problem of crucial importance to a growing population with a lower-limb impairment, which are often ageing individuals. The vast majority in the Western world will use hand rim wheelchairs, although upper-body exercise especially hand rim propulsion is far more straining and less mechanically efficient (ME) than leg work. To obtain and maintain mobility and develop an active lifestyle both wheelchair and user must have the best condition, while the wheelchair-user interface needs to be ergonomically tuned to the best wheeling performance. Till today, wheelchair fitting is a personalized professional skill that has little evidence base.