Performance of A novel manual wheelchair propulsion device compared to conventional pushrim propulsion – benchmarking mechanical efficiency and movement characteristics

Abstract

Biomechanical research has previously highlighted musculoskeletal overuse injuries of the upper extremity of long-term wheelchair use. Scientists suspect that one of the reasons is repetitive mechanical loading during wheelchair propulsion. It was proposed that optimizing wheelchair propulsion may result in lowering shoulder load, and therefore the risk of overuse injuries of the shoulder complex. This thesis describes the methodological approach used in the post-processing and analysis of a measurement series on pushrim and crank propulsion of wheelchair users. Using data from a measurement series conducted by TU Wien at 25 W and 35 W power output, the methodological approach was applied. The results of kinematic, kinetic, spirometric and electromyographic data analysis and the comparison of the two propulsion techniques confirm that the novel handle-based propulsion mechanism may be a valuable alternative for long-term wheelchair users who are suffering from joint injuries. The presented methodological approach and the developed Matlab codes generally suited the requirements in post-processing and analysis, and thus provides an applicable procedure for future measurement series.