The effects of rear-wheel camber on the kinematics of upper extremity during wheelchair propulsion

Chung-Ying Tsai,Chien-Ju Lin,Yueh-Chu Huang,Fong-Chin Su,Po-Chou Lin

doi:10.1186/1475-925x-11-87

Chung-Ying Tsai, Chien-Ju Lin + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-925x-11-87

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Abstract

BackgroundThe rear-wheel camber, defined as the inclination of the rear wheels, is usually used in wheelchair sports, but it is becoming increasingly employed in daily propulsion. Although the rear-wheel camber can increase stability, it alters physiological performance during propulsion. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of rear-wheel cambers on temporal-spatial parameters, joint angles, and propulsion patterns.MethodsTwelve inexperienced subjects (22.3±1.6 yr) participated in the study. None had musculoskeletal disorders in their upper extremities. An eight-camera motion capture system was used to collect the three-dimensional trajectory data of markers attached to the wheelchair-user system during propulsion. All participants propelled the same wheelchair, which had an instrumented wheel with cambers of 0°, 9°, and 15°, respectively, at an average velocity of 1 m/s.ResultsThe results show that the rear-wheel camber significantly affects the average acceleration, maximum end angle, trunk movement, elbow joint movement, wrist joint movement, and propulsion pattern. The effects are especially significant between 0° and 15°. For a 15° camber, the average acceleration and joint peak angles significantly increased (p < 0.01). A single loop pattern (SLOP) was adopted by most of the subjects.ConclusionsThe rear-wheel camber affects propulsion patterns and joint range of motion. When choosing a wheelchair with camber adjustment, the increase of joint movements and the base of support should be taken into consideration.

Highlights

The rear-wheel camber, defined as the inclination of the rear wheels, is usually used in wheelchair sports, but it is becoming increasingly employed in daily propulsion
Studies have been conducted to understand the mechanics of wheelchair propulsion and the findings show that the performance of wheelchair users is affected by factors such as velocity, the surface of the ground, and users’ physical capability
When the camber was increased from 0° to 15°, the average acceleration and the maximum end angle significantly increased

Summary

Introduction

The rear-wheel camber, defined as the inclination of the rear wheels, is usually used in wheelchair sports, but it is becoming increasingly employed in daily propulsion. The rear-wheel camber can increase stability, it alters physiological performance during propulsion. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of rear-wheel cambers on temporal-spatial parameters, joint angles, and propulsion patterns. The long-term use of wheelchairs often leads to injuries of the upper extremities. Gellman reported that most wheelchair users (67.8%) complained about pain in at least one area of their upper extremities [3]. Shoulders and wrists are the major joints suffering from injuries [3,4,5,6]. Improving the stability of wheelchairs and increasing the efficiency of wheelchair propulsion will help reduce injuries

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