Low-impact wheelchair propulsion: Achievable and acceptable

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Low-impact wheelchair propulsion: Achievable and acceptable

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=30759

17 Sep 2005

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.