Evaluation of the Biomechanical Parameters of Human-Wheelchair Systems during Ramp Climbing with the Use of a Manual Wheelchair with Anti-Rollback Devices

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of the research conducted was the analysis of kinematic and biomechanical parameters measured during manual wheelchair ramp-climbing with the use of the anti-rollback system and the comparison of the values tested with the manual wheelchair climbing the same ramp but without any modifications. The paper presents a quantitative assessment relating to the qualitative research of the anti-rollback system performed by another research team. Method and materials: The article presents the measurement results of the wheelchair motion kinematics and the activity of four upper limb muscles for eight subjects climbing a 4.58° ramp. Each subject propelled the wheelchair both with and without the anti-rollback system. The kinematic parameters were measured by means of two incremental encoders with the resolution of 500 impulses per single revolution of the measurement wheel. Whereas, the muscle activity was measured by means of surface electromyography with the use of Noraxon Mini DTS apparatus equipped with four measurement channels. Results: The surface electromyography measurement indicated an increase in the muscle activity for all four muscles, during the use of the anti-rollback system. The increase was: 18.56% for deltoid muscle anterior, 12.37% for deltoid muscle posteriori, 13.0% for triceps brachii, and 15.44% for extensor carpi radialis longus. As far as the kinematics analysis is concerned, a decrease in the measured kinematic parameters was observed in most participants. The medium velocity of the propelling cycle decreased by 26%. The ratio of the generated power and the loss power in a single propelling cycle λ had decreased by 18%. The least decrease was recorded for the measurement of mechanical energy E and the propelling cycle duration time. For the total mechanical energy, the decrease level was 3%, and for the propelling cycle duration it was 1%. The research carried out did not demonstrate any impact of the anti-rollback system use on the push phase share in the entire propelling cycle.

Manual wheelchair biomechanics while overcoming various environmental barriers: A systematic review

“…4 Muscle activity . Most studies reported peak EMG value [ 29 , 30 , 33 , 38 , 45 , 48 , 50 , 60 ], but five studies reported mean EMG activity during propulsion [ 24 , 29 , 46 , 50 , 61 ]. Although most studies reported normalized muscle activity using maximum voluntary contraction testing, one article reported un-normalized EMG activity as voltage measured by the sensor [ 38 ].…”

“…However, it was observed that muscle activity of all of the studied muscles was found to consistently increase with the grade. Some studies reported muscle activity during locomotion higher than the one observed during maximum voluntary contraction testing for some subjects [ 46 , 61 ].…”

The Wheelchair Propulsion Wheel Rotation Angle Function Symmetry in the Propelling Phase: Motion Capture Research and a Mathematical Model

“…The first one is an analysis of the propulsion wheel angle of rotation resulting from the trajectory of the hand's movement during the propelling phase; the second one is the mathematical formalisation of the propulsion wheel angle of rotation described as a function of the propelling phase duration. These research objectives are justified by the ongoing work on modifications and improvements to wheelchair manual propulsion systems [5,[20][21][22]. When developing such innovative manual propulsion systems, it is necessary to provide data reflecting the so-called human factor, in this particular case, referring to the course of the angle of rotation of the propulsion wheel during the propelling phase.…”

Processing of EMG Signals with High Impact of Power Line and Cardiac Interferences

“…EMG is also a tool used for diagnosing the impact of a technical device on a patient. This application of EMG is used by engineers designing rehabilitation devices [24][25][26]. Another very interesting application of EMG is recognition of unvoiced or silent speech by observing the activity of muscles associated with speech apparatus [27].…”