Optimum Propulsion Technique in Different Wheelchair Handrim Diameter
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Manual wheelchair
Dynamometer
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The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the trunk postures on performance during manual wheelchair propulsion on cross slopes. On a cross slope of 7%, 8 subjects performed propulsion with four styles of trunk postures: free, trunk extension, trunk lateral flexion and extension-lateral flexion combined. A three-dimensional motion capture system captured propulsion performance and computed the kinematics of downhill turning moment and shoulder and elbow range of motion. The downhill moment appeared to be less in extension and combined posture compared to the other two styles. Shoulder and elbow range of motion were greater in free and extension styles than the other two. All the subjects chose either free or extension as the most comfortable style. Trunk extension could reduce downhill turning moment and make wheelchair propulsion easier on cross slopes.
Manual wheelchair
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Biomechanics
Manual wheelchair
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The objective of this study was to evaluate an optimum structure for a rugby wheelchair by estimating the muscle force during forward linear operation of the wheelchair using an inverse dynamics analysis. The simulation model was represented by restraining the contact area between the frame and seat of the wheelchair and the body model. Three body model variations were constructed with different degrees of disability. Wheelchair models were also constructed by varying the range of camber angle, wheel diameter and axle positions, respectively. The effects of the design parameters for the wheelchair on the muscle force were investigated. As a result, the axle position had the strongest effect on the muscle force of the upper limbs, and it is effective to lower the axle position for reducing the muscle force required. This implies that the adjustment of the axle position leads to a reduction in risk of injury occurrence.
Inverse dynamics
Camber (aerodynamics)
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This study examined the effect of seat position on handrim biomechanics. Thirteen experienced users propelled a wheelchair over a smooth level floor at a self-selected speed. Kinetic and temporal-distance data were collected with the use of an instrumented rim and a motion analysis system. A custom-designed axle was used to change the seat position. We used repeated measures analysis of variance to evaluate if differences existed in the temporal-distance and kinetic data with change in seat position. Results showed that a shorter distance between the axle and shoulder (low seat height) improved the push time and push angle temporal variables (p < 0.0001). Tangential force output did not change with seat position. Axial and radial forces were highest in the lowest seat position (p < 0.001). Propulsion efficiency as measured by the fraction of effective force did not significantly change with seat position.
Biomechanics
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Motion analysis
Sports biomechanics
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Little published information is available on joint kinetics during wheelchair propulsion. This is partially due to the lack of appropriate instrumentation and techniques. Biomechanical-mechanical techniques may be developed to assist in the amelioration of upper extremity pain among wheelchair users, Elbow, wrist, and hand pain have been reported to exist among 16, 13, and 11% of manual wheelchair users, respectively. This paper focuses on methods for determining the location of the pushrim center of pressure during wheelchair propulsion. Wheelchair propulsion is accomplished by bilateral simultaneous repetitive motion of the upper extremities. The pushrim is grasped or struck and pushed downward and forward, in turn, rotating the wheels. During the propulsive phase, the hand is capable of exerting a three-dimensional moment against the pushrim. The moments and forces exerted on the pushrim were measured by a specialized wheelchair wheel, the SMART/sup wheel/. The center of pressure (COP) for the upper extremities is found in three planes parallel to the frontal, sagittal, and transverse anatomical planes, This calculation of the COP is analogous to the calculation of the COP for lower extremity gait analysis using a force plate. One difference is that the hand has the ability to pull on the pushrim and, therefore, the upper extremity COP does not necessarily reside within the projection of the hand. Another difference is that with a force plate, there is only one plane of interest (the plane of the force plate), and three are used for the complete analysis of the upper extremity. Kinetic data were collected using the SMART/sup Wheel/ from three subjects who are wheelchair users. Kinematic data were also collected concurrently using a PEEKS video analysis system. Graphs of the COP from the sagittal plane show great variability, which is probably due to the low medial-lateral forces exerted against the pushrim. Frontal COP graphs show less variability and indicate that with these three subjects the line of action for the anterior-posterior force component is located between 10 and 15 cm lateral to the pushrim and a variable distance above or below the location of the 2nd metacarpal-phalangeal joint. Future studies with more subjects may show force offset to be a modality in the cause of carpal-tunnel syndrome.
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Three-dimensional (3-D) kinematic features of wheelchair propulsion across four selected speeds were investigated based on 10 skilled male wheelchair athletes. Kinematic data were collected through 3-D cinematography with a mirror. The results demonstrated that as the speed increased, the drive phase was performed faster while the range of the push-angle remained constant. More trunk forward lean motion resulted in a large initial contact angle in front of the top dead center of the pushrim. Recovery involved a large range of vertical motion in terms of shoulder abduction and hyperextension in order to increase the distance over which a greater velocity could be developed. To maximize wheelchair racing speed, it was critical to obtain the maximal shoulder and elbow velocities at initial contact of the drive phase and the maximal hand velocity at the end of the recovery phase.
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Manual wheelchair
Inverse dynamics
Dynamometer
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It was thought that the position of the handrim on a standard wheelchair may not always provide the optimal work efficiency for an individual. The purpose of this study was to examine the optimal handrim position on torque development at the start period of static wheelchair propulsion. Fifteen healthy volunteers performed wheelchair propulsion at nine different handrim positions, which were determined by sets of joint angles of the shoulder and elbow. The peak and average torque measured during static wheelchair propulsion were compared among the various handrim positions. The torque development was dependent on the forward-backward shift of the handrim position but not the change in height. The maximum torque was produced in the front and low handrim position. As a mechanism responsible for the results, the force vector applied to a handrim can be worked more efficiently as torque at the front handrim position by changing the direction of the force vector rather than its amplitude. Thus, the handrim position, which influences torque development for wheelchair propulsion at the start period, should be taken into account in the design of the wheelchair.
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Manual wheelchair
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The use of theoretical models is an alternative for studying the configuration of manual wheelchairs. Richter and Morrow proposed one of the theoretical models used to study propulsion in manual wheelchairs. However this analytical model is limited to use in the sagittal plane. This article presents a quasi-static 3D model that could examine wheelchair propulsion and provide performance analysis during 3D motion. The 3D model takes into account parameters such as axial forces on the hand, the lateral distance between the shoulder joint and the centre of the axis of the propulsion wheel and the angles of inclination of the propulsion wheel (camber angle). The results obtained using our 3D model of wheelchair propulsion show the influences of the lateral distance between the shoulder joint and the axis of the propulsion wheel as well as the effects of the camber angle in the shoulder and elbow joints.
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Biomechanics
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Sports biomechanics
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