Effect of Wheelchair Stroke Pattern on Mechanical Efficiency

Abstract

Pumping is the energetically most efficient stroke pattern in contrast to the semicircular pattern in this subject group. Propulsion technique could not explain the difference in efficiency.

Hand Rim Wheelchair Propulsion Training Using Biomechanical Real-Time Visual Feedback Based on Motor Learning Theory Principles

“…However, the literature has reported that a large range of cadences and push angles often occurs within representative populations of wheelchair users (49)(50)(51). More specifically, a study completed comparing the propulsion techniques of long-term wheelchair users found that, at a given speed, the average group cadence varied from 1.1 to 1.6 stroke/s, and the push angle varied from 102 to 134 degrees (49).…”

Stroke pattern classification during manual wheelchair propulsion in the elderly using fuzzy clustering

“…within cycle-stoke is highly repeatable). de Groot et al (2004) found that a pumping mechanism is more efficient than a SC one from physiological viewpoint regardless of velocity. The results found by de Groot et al (2004) are somehow surprising, since most studies considered pumping mechanism as inefficient.…”

“…This suggests that hand trajectory prior to the contact between the hand and the wheel, is an important factor which have been only explored qualitatively in past. In fact, kinematic features of MWC propulsion have been associated to the magnitude of force application at the hanhrim as well as minimization of joint stress (Sanderson and Sommer, 1985;Cooper et al, 1993;Dallmeijer et al, 1998;Rao et al, 1996;Rudins et al, 1997; Davis et al, 1998;Shimada et al, 1998;Veeger et al, 1998Veeger et al, , 2002Schantz et al, 1999;Boninger et al, 2002;Koontz et al, 2002;de Groot et al, 2004). Establishing a quantitative relationship between kinematic features of MWC propulsion and force application at the handhrim could provide insight into propulsion mechanics for elderly MWC users.…”

Biomechanical differences between experienced and inexperienced wheelchair users during sport

“…3,4,9,12 Contrary to this, Shimada et al, 15 however, stated that after biomechanical analysis on seven experienced MWCU, that the SC stroke pattern was the most efficient, whereas, de Groot et al 26 declared that the DL propulsion pattern was more effective for experienced MWCU. de Groot et al 27 on the other hand concluded that for NWCU the pump stroke pattern was the most economical. This however, is the stroke that possesses the largest push frequency meaning that it is of high metabolic cost as the MWCU does not use their limb through a large range.…”

“…This however, is the stroke that possesses the largest push frequency meaning that it is of high metabolic cost as the MWCU does not use their limb through a large range. 9,25,27 The small range that the NWCU utilize to implement this stroke predisposes them to upper-limb injuries such as the ones previously described as it has to be repetitive in nature to produce their optimal cost-effect balance which increases the stresses on upper-body joint structures. 8,27 After seven weeks of low intensity wheelchair practice, however, de Groot et al 27 found that NWCU gradually adopt a more effective, circular style of propulsive stroke pattern (SC, SL or DL) and in turn increase their efficiency and reduce their risk of developing overuse upper-limb injuries.…”