Analysis of a prototype geared pushrim with a manual pushrim using physiological data

The goal of this study was to compare a prototype geared wheelchair (WC) pushrim to a standard WC pushrim during different WC propulsion conditions. The test protocol required unimpaired subjects and WC users to maintain similar mechanical work levels for both pushrims during several trials. Significant physiological differences were found, between the pushrims, for the unimpaired during the uphill at 0.89 m/s and flat surface at 0.89 m/s and the WC users during the flat surface at 1.79 m/s.