Rolling resistance and propulsion efficiency of manual and power-assisted wheelchairs

Pavlidou, E.; Kloosterman, Marieke G.M.; Buurke, Jaap H.; Rietman, Johan Swanik; Janssen, Thomas W J

doi:10.1016/j.medengphy.2015.08.012

Cited by 25 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 84 publications

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“…Assisted mechanical efficiency in the PAPAW increased from 5.8 to 6.5%. These values are lower compared to those of Arva [ 16 ] and colleagues (9.9–20.6% at different speeds/power outputs), but higher than the findings of Pavlidou [ 34 ] and colleagues (4.2%). (Assisted) mechanical efficiency rises as external power output increases [ 16 ], which might explain the differences between our study and the study of Pavlidou and colleagues.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 71%

Practice-based skill acquisition of pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair propulsion versus regular handrim propulsion in novices

Klerk

Lutjeboer

Vegter

et al. 2018

J NeuroEngineering Rehabil

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BackgroundRegular handrim wheelchair (RHW) propulsion is straining for the upper extremities and wheelchair users often experience overuse problems. A recent advancement in wheelchair technology that could assist users is the pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair (PAPAW). PAPAWs are challenging to control, yet it is unclear how people learn to use a PAPAW. The purpose of this study is to examine early skill acquisition through practice in PAPAWs and compare it with RHWs.MethodsTwenty-four able-bodied novices were randomly allocated to either the RHW group or the PAPAW group. The experiment consisted of five sessions with three blocks of 4 min steady-state practice at 1.11 m/s and 0.21 W/kg. Finally, a transfer to the other mode was made. Data were collected with a drag-test, breath-by-breath spirometry, and a motion capture system. The last minute of each four-minute block was used for analysis. A mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for group, time, and interaction effects.ResultsBoth groups improved their (assisted) mechanical efficiency, reduced their stroke rate, right-left and forward-backward deviation on the treadmill, and had a lower rate of perceived exertion (RPE) over time. (Assisted) mechanical efficiency was higher for the PAPAW group than for the RHW group and RPE was lower. However, left-right and forward-backward deviation was also found to be higher in the PAPAW group.ConclusionsAt the group level the energetic cost of RHW and PAPAW propulsion can be lowered through low-intensity practice in novice users. The PAPAW is more ‘efficient’ than the RHW given the reduced energy requirement of the user from the motor assist, but more difficult to control. Future studies on PAPAWs should focus on the control needs of the user and their interaction with the power-assist technology.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 71%

Practice-based skill acquisition of pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair propulsion versus regular handrim propulsion in novices

Klerk

Lutjeboer

Vegter

et al. 2018

J NeuroEngineering Rehabil

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Another type of HAPAW developed recently by Alber also enables high-speed driving and supports manual wheelchair users who have high levels of activity. HAPAW that enables continuous driving without stopping with one push of the handrim is also being researched [ 20 , 21 ], so it is evident that the main themes of current HAPAW development are high-speed driving and continuous driving.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Study of a Handrim-Activated Power-Assist Wheelchair Based on a Non-Contact Torque Sensor

Nam¹,

Jang²,

Kim³

et al. 2016

Sensors

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Demand for wheelchairs is increasing with growing numbers of aged and disabled persons. Manual wheelchairs are the most commonly used assistive device for mobility because they are convenient to transport. Manual wheelchairs have several advantages but are not easy to use for the elderly or those who lack muscular strength. Therefore, handrim-activated power-assist wheelchairs (HAPAW) that can aid driving power with a motor by detecting user driving intentions through the handrim are being researched. This research will be on HAPAW that judge user driving intentions by using non-contact torque sensors. To deliver the desired motion, which is sensed from handrim rotation relative to a fixed controller, a new driving wheel mechanism is designed by applying a non-contact torque sensor, and corresponding torques are simulated. Torques are measured by a driving wheel prototype and compared with simulation results. The HAPAW prototype was developed using the wheels and a driving control algorithm that uses left and right input torques and time differences are used to check if the non-contact torque sensor can distinguish users’ driving intentions. Through this procedure, it was confirmed that the proposed sensor can be used effectively in HAPAW.

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“…The powerassisted wheelchair with power-assist wheels is approximately 20 kg heavier than a wheelchair with normal hand-rim wheels, [53] leading to a larger rolling-resistance, and inertia during start-up. [95] However, this remained consistent between both conditions. Consequently, the additional mass of the power-assisted wheelchair, although centered around the rear wheel axis, could be more influential during start-up than during velocity propulsion.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 58%

“…Despite this, power-assisted propulsion was more efficient and required less energy input by the user than hand-rim wheelchair propulsion (if motor support is well set). [95] Based on visual inspection of our results the stroke pattern (arc, semicircular, single loop or double loop) did not change with the change of wheels. c) minimizing extreme or potentially injurious positions at all joints, especially extreme wrist positions and positions where the shoulder is prone to impingement.…”

Section: Is the Assumption Of The Effectiveness Of Power-assisted Promentioning

confidence: 64%

“…After the measurement of activities and wheelchair skills we found out that the power-assist wheels added enough power to counteract the additional weight but not enough for additional support. [95] It would be useful to repeat the measurements with the final product, which had a higher assistance level.…”

Section: The Biggest Room In the World Is The Room For Improvementmentioning

Rolling resistance and propulsion efficiency of manual and power-assisted wheelchairs

Cited by 25 publications

References 84 publications

Practice-based skill acquisition of pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair propulsion versus regular handrim propulsion in novices

Practice-based skill acquisition of pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair propulsion versus regular handrim propulsion in novices

A Study of a Handrim-Activated Power-Assist Wheelchair Based on a Non-Contact Torque Sensor

Keep on rolling: functional evaluation of power-assisted wheelchair use

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