Evaluation of rolling resistance in manual wheelchair wheels and casters using drum-based testing

Ott, J. Steven; Wilson-Jene, Holly; Koontz, Alicia M; Pearlman, Jonathan

doi:10.1080/17483107.2020.1815088

Cited by 11 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Furthermore, this sample represented active users, with the majority using their devices more than 5 days per week for over 10 h per day. Importantly, because these participants are highly active, the increase in RR forces associated with misalignment may disproportionately increase their risk of UE RSI [6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Testing shows that RR forces increase non-linearly with increased toe angle (measured in degrees while the MWC is under load) as shown in Figure 2, whereas weight and RR increase linearly [5,6]. This non-linear relationship underscores the importance of evaluating the prevalence and severity of toe angle and slop that contributes to increased toe angle in MWCs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A high prevalence of manual wheelchair rear-wheel misalignment could be leading to increased risk of repetitive strain injuries

Ott

Henderson

Wilson-Jene

et al. 2021

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

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Purpose: To determine the prevalence and severity of manual wheelchair rear wheel misalignment in community-dwelling manual wheelchair users and estimate the associated increases in rolling resistance (RR) and risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Materials and Methods: Data were collected in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic, a university research laboratory, and at adaptive sporting events in the United States. Two hundred active, self-propelling manual wheelchair users were recruited. Angular misalignment (referred to as toe angle) while the wheelchair was loaded with the user, and the difference between the maximum and minimum toe angle (referred to as slop) with the wheelchair unloaded. Results: Average results for toe angle and slop (movement in the rear wheels) were 0.92 and 0.61 degrees, respectively. Using a lab-based testing method, we quantified the impact of increased RR forces due to misalignment in increased RR forces. Our results indicate that the average toe angle while under load and slop, without loading, measured in the community increase required propulsion force by 3.0 N. Combined toe angle and slop (i.e., the worst-case scenario) added increased propulsion force by 3.9 N. Conclusions: We found that rear-wheel misalignment was prevalent and severe enough that it may increase the risk for RSIs and decrease participation. To mitigate this issue, future work should focus on reducing misalignment through improved maintenance interventions and increased manufacturing quality through more stringent standards. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe work reveals a previously unknown and significant contributor to RR that could have health implications for users who self-propel. Maintenance and repairs should be adjusted to help reduce the impact of misalignment. Our results suggests that WC designers should take additional care to designs wheels and frames to minimize misalignment. Service providers setting up wheelchairs should take additional care to make sure the wheels are aligned. Users should monitor misalignment and prioritize maintaining or having their chair repaired when misalignment occurs.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A high prevalence of manual wheelchair rear-wheel misalignment could be leading to increased risk of repetitive strain injuries

Ott

Henderson

Wilson-Jene

et al. 2021

Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology

Self Cite

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“…Previous testing at multiple speeds showed no change in RR forces, and 1 m/s is representative of manual propel speed. 9 Each test condition was repeated three times for each caster, and results were averaged. Due to limited caster availability and the extended time required for shock and abrasion testing, only 1 sample of each model was tested.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…RR is the force opposing propulsion and is primarily due to hysteresis and energy losses from rear wheels and casters. 8 Rear wheel and caster selection and wheelchair setup can have a significant impact on the forces required for propulsion, 9 and strategies to optimize or reduce RR can help mitigate high strain and repetitive forces. Failure to reduce RR can place wheelchair users at risk of poor outcomes including injury, 10 and functional limitations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…11 Rear wheel and caster RR are affected by many factors including tire type, misalignment, camber angle, load and tire inflation. 9,[12][13][14] Several methods have been used to measure RR, including coast-down testing, drag testing, treadmill testing, dynamometer testing, and drum testing. [14][15][16][17] Quantifying RR of caster components or factors is difficult with system level tests, and hence, RR testing equipment was developed to accurately measure component level performance (for individual casters) and factors related to RR.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rolling resistance of casters increases significantly after two years of simulated use

Wilson-Jene

Mhatre

Ott

et al. 2021

Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineerin

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Introduction Manual wheelchair propulsion is associated with upper limb pain and injury, and clinical guidelines recommend minimizing propulsive force to lower health risks. One of the strategies to reduce propulsive force is by minimizing rolling resistance (RR). Product testing studies suggest that RR of casters is affected by wear and tear which could have implications on the health risk of wheelchair users. The study will investigate the relationship between caster RR and environmental exposure using standard testing protocols. Methods RR of ten casters representing a range of diameters for different models of wheelchairs were measured before and after environmental exposure that includes corrosion, shock and abrasion simulating two years of community use. Results Four casters exhibited failures during durability testing, one catastrophically. Increases to RR after corrosion, shock and abrasion exposure were statistically significant using mixed-effects modeling, and four casters had increased RR greater than 20%. Conclusions Many of the casters evaluated exhibited increased RR forces and failure after environmental exposure. Improved caster design and use of corrosion resistant materials may reduce these failures. In addition, modification of the provision process could include replacement casters to reduce failures and avoid breakdowns that leave manual wheelchair users stranded or injured.

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Evaluation of E-Scooter Tyre Performance Using Dynamometer-Based Coast-Down Tests

Stilwell,

Gooch,

Goodwin

et al. 2023

Proc. Des. Soc.

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E-scooters have become a popular form of personal transport with millions of E-scooters used worldwide. This paper details an initial investigation into the relative differences in rolling resistance for a range of e-scooter tyres. Tyre performance was measured using dynamometer-based coast-down tests to determine the coast-down distance and coefficient of rolling resistance of each tyre. Insights from testing showed that e-scooter tyres had coefficients of rolling resistance that were 3.5 to 6 times the coefficient of rolling resistance of a 700x32C bike tyre. Comparisons between tyres of similar specification showed the tyres with solid inserts had more rolling resistance than a pneumatic tyre at the rated pressure. Comparisons of equivalent airless and pneumatic tyres the rated pressure indicated airless tyres had slightly better performance in terms of coast-down distance. The results also show how a decrease in tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, highlighting the importance of maintaining rated tyre pressure to improve e-scooter efficiency. The results from this study provide useful insights into the performance of tyres that can be used on low-powered vehicles.

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Evaluation of rolling resistance in manual wheelchair wheels and casters using drum-based testing

Cited by 11 publications

References 10 publications

A high prevalence of manual wheelchair rear-wheel misalignment could be leading to increased risk of repetitive strain injuries

A high prevalence of manual wheelchair rear-wheel misalignment could be leading to increased risk of repetitive strain injuries

Rolling resistance of casters increases significantly after two years of simulated use

Evaluation of E-Scooter Tyre Performance Using Dynamometer-Based Coast-Down Tests

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