Abstract
Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that use force sensor data to provide on-demand propulsion assistance to manual wheelchair users. However, available data about kinetic and kinematic of PAPAW use are mainly limited to experiments performed on a treadmill or using a dynamometer. In this work, we performed experiments to gather kinetics of wheelchair propulsion and kinematics of wheelchair motion for a variety of over-ground wheelchair maneuvers with a manual wheelchair with and without PAPAWs. Our findings revealed that using PAPAWs can significantly reduce the propulsion effort and push frequency. Both linear and angular velocities of the wheelchair were significantly increased when using PAPAWs. Less force and push frequency could potentially reduce risk of chronic upper limb injury. Higher linear velocity could be desirable for various daily life activities; however; the increase in the angular velocity could lead to unintended deviations from a desired path. Future research could investigate PAPAW controllers that amplify the desired intentions of users while mitigating any unwanted behaviours.
Highlights
Manual wheelchairs (MWCs) are the most commonly prescribed wheeled mobility assistive devices (WMADs) for people with ambulatory limitations [1]
Applied oppositewheels wheelsindicate indicate aa turning comparison of MWC. Data shown in these graphs suggests that, for all maneuvers, the task completion time and data shown in these graphs suggests that, for all maneuvers, the task completion time and push frequencywere werelower lower when when using push frequency usingPAPAWs
Results of the Wilcoxon signedcomparing the kinetic/kinematic features between tests are presented rank tests comparing the kinetic/kinematic features between MWC and Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) tests are in Table 7.inWe found thatfound three that kinetic features
Summary
Manual wheelchairs (MWCs) are the most commonly prescribed wheeled mobility assistive devices (WMADs) for people with ambulatory limitations [1]. In 2012, it was estimated that about 68% of WMAD users in Canada relied on MWCs [2]. MWCs have the potential to enhance physical activity [4,5]. Despite these positive aspects, there are several disadvantages associated with short- and long-term use of MWCs. For instance, wheeling a MWC is a physically demanding task, and over time use of these devices can increase the risk of secondary health conditions such as upper extremity joint pain or repetitive strain injuries [1,6,7]
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