Mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique after 7 weeks of low-intensity wheelchair training

Groot, de Sonja; Bruin, M. de; Noomen, S. P.; Woude, van der Lucas

doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2007.11.001

Cited by 79 publications

(92 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…To the best of our knowledge, only 2 research groups have implemented real-time visual feedback during wheelchair propulsion training at this time. de Groot et al (20,22) presented able-bodied subjects with real-time velocity and fraction of effective force (FEF) feedback and found trained subjects to exhibit higher FEF accompanied by significantly lower mechanical efficiency (20,22). Kotajarvi et al (23) presented FEF, velocity, and power output feedback to experienced wheelchair users and again found no improvements in force effectiveness, but did observe increased contact angle and decreased stroke frequency.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two studies have proposed programs focusing primarily on upper limb strength training (24,25), whereas others have investigated simulated manual wheelchair propulsion training protocols completed on stationary ergometers at low intensities and durations with no feedback or with only visual velocity feedback (22,26,27). These studies have produced subtle but desirable changes on able-bodied subjects such as increased mechanical efficiency (ME), push time, contact angle, and decreased stroke frequency accompanied by little to no improvements in force application.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Few recent studies have explored methods in which to improve manual wheelchair propulsion biomechanics (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24). Two studies have proposed programs focusing primarily on upper limb strength training (24,25), whereas others have investigated simulated manual wheelchair propulsion training protocols completed on stationary ergometers at low intensities and durations with no feedback or with only visual velocity feedback (22,26,27).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

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

Rice

Gagnon

Gallagher

et al. 2010

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine

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Background/Objective: As considerable progress has been made in laboratory-based assessment of manual wheelchair propulsion biomechanics, the necessity to translate this knowledge into new clinical tools and treatment programs becomes imperative. The objective of this study was to describe the development of a manual wheelchair propulsion training program aimed to promote the development of an efficient propulsion technique among long-term manual wheelchair users. Methods: Motor learning theory principles were applied to the design of biomechanical feedback-based learning software, which allows for random discontinuous real-time visual presentation of key spatiotemporal and kinetic parameters. This software was used to train a long-term wheelchair user on a dynamometer during 3 low-intensity wheelchair propulsion training sessions over a 3-week period. Biomechanical measures were recorded with a SmartWheel during over ground propulsion on a 50-m level tile surface at baseline and 3 months after baseline. Results: Training software was refined and administered to a participant who was able to improve his propulsion technique by increasing contact angle while simultaneously reducing stroke cadence, mean resultant force, peak and mean moment out of plane, and peak rate of rise of force applied to the pushrim after training. Conclusions:The proposed propulsion training protocol may lead to favorable changes in manual wheelchair propulsion technique. These changes could limit or prevent upper limb injuries among manual wheelchair users. In addition, many of the motor learning theory-based techniques examined in this study could be applied to training individuals in various stages of rehabilitation to optimize propulsion early on.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

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

Rice

Gagnon

Gallagher

et al. 2010

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Traditional manual wheelchairs (MWs) induce a greater oxygen consumption and a higher respiratory exchange ratio and are therefore beneficial to the user's health when properly used. However, the gross mechanical efficiency of such wheelchairs (i.e., the ratio of the external power to the metabolic power) is just 2 to 13.8 percent, depending on the level of injury, the propulsion technique, the adjustments made to the wheelchair interface (e.g., the seat height), and the intensity of the exercise undertaken [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. This low mechanical efficiency, coupled with the high physical strain imposed on the movements of the user, may result in fatigue or even strain-induced injuries in the worst-case scenario [10][11][12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and development of solar power-assisted manual/electric wheelchair

et al. 2014

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Abstract-Wheelchairs are an essential assistive device for many individuals with injury or disability. Manual wheelchairs provide a relatively low-cost solution to the mobility needs of such individuals. Furthermore, they provide an effective means of improving the user's cardiopulmonary function and upperlimb muscle strength. However, manual wheelchairs have a gross loss of mechanical efficiency, and thus the risk of user fatigue and upper-limb injury is increased. Electric-powered wheelchairs reduce the risk of injury and provide a more convenient means of transportation. However, they have a large physical size and are relatively expensive. Accordingly, the present study utilizes a quality function deployment method to develop a wheelchair with a user-selectable manual/electric propulsion mode and an auxiliary solar power supply system. The auxiliary solar power supply increased the travel range of the wheelchair by approximately 26% compared with that of a wheelchair powered by battery alone. Moreover, the wheelchair has a modular design and can be disassembled and folded for ease of transportation or storage. Overall, the present results suggest that the proposed wheelchair provides an effective and convenient means of meeting the mobility needs of individuals with mobility difficulties.

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“…A wide variety of studies provides evidence of improved quality of life for people with SCI related to physiological adaptation to exercise, both in additional rehabilitation [34][35][36][37][38][39][40] and high-level sport settings [41][42][43][44][45][46][47], as well as the relationship of these adaptations to improving certain skills with the wheelchair [48][49][50][51][52].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical activity and transcutaneous oxygen pressure in men with spinal cord injury

Crespo-Ruiz¹,

del-Ama²,

Díaz³

et al. 2012

JRRD

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Abstract-This pilot study proposed a method for assessing the status of vascular flow measured by transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) in the area of the ischium in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). In a sample of 38 men (two groups: 12 physically active and 26 sedentary) with thoracic SCI, the distribution of the physiological response of the tissues under load during sitting was assessed through analysis of ischium TcPO2 values obtained by an oximeter. TcPO2 baseline, recovery time of TcPO2 after sitting (Trec), the percentage of TcPO2 (%TcPO2) of maximum pressure TcPO2, and mechanic maximal pressure (Pmax) were evaluated. Trec in the physically active group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the sedentary group. Likewise, significant differences in %TcPO2 between groups (p < 0.05) were also found. We concluded that the physiological response of the tissues under an individual with SCI's own weight resulting from prolonged sitting is better in those who are physically active.

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Mechanical efficiency and propulsion technique after 7 weeks of low-intensity wheelchair training

Cited by 79 publications

References 24 publications

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

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

Design and development of solar power-assisted manual/electric wheelchair

Physical activity and transcutaneous oxygen pressure in men with spinal cord injury

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