Low-impact wheelchair propulsion: Achievable and acceptable

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 17 Sep 2005 - 13:00 PDT

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This study investigates the performance and user acceptance of a low-impact wheelchair pushrim. A low-impact pushrim is one that absorbs shock as the hand impacts it at the beginning of the push, important as this has been associated with the development of repetitive stress injuries among wheelchair users.

Seventeen volunteers propelled their wheelchairs using the Variable Compliance Handrim Prototype set to each of three shock-absorption levels through a maneuverability test course and on various treadmill grades.

Investigators found an optimal level of shock absorption where user acceptance was high and impact was reduced.

The results of this study have shown that low-impact wheelchair propulsion is both achievable and acceptable to users.

About the Journal

JRRD has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for over 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community. For more information about JRRD, visit http://www.vard.org .

The current issue of the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD) is dedicated to spinal cord injury and wheelchair technology. Full-text articles are available, free, online at http://www.vard.org.

Judith LaVoie
judith@vard.org
410-962-1800 x 229
VA Research Communications Service
http://www.vard.org

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