Propulsion Pattern Research Articles

Dynamic Impact Deformation Characteristics of Multi-Layer Metallic Materials Based on a New Combustion Propulsion Pattern

Dynamic Impact Deformation Characteristics of Multi-Layer Metallic Materials Based on a New Combustion Propulsion Pattern

Fluidic undulation effects on carangiform swimmers propelled by internal active bending moments

With different shapes and material properties, fish all achieve undulatory swimming gait under the action of internal active muscle stimulation and external fluid forces. Such locomotion can be decomposed into deformation affected by internal and external forces in the body frame and overall translation and rotation solely determined by fluid forces. In order to revisit the undulatory swimming gait, we investigate the hydrodynamic performance of two-dimensional flexible carangiform swimmers with varying stiffnesses and thicknesses, which are driven by the active internal bending moments, and employ the complex orthogonal decomposition and Fourier decomposition methods to quantitatively measure and analyze the proportion of undulation. It is found that standing wave deformation characteristics are prominently observed along fish-like bodies with high stiffness, whereas traveling wave characteristics are more evident in bodies with lower stiffness. The self-propelled fish body demonstrates lateral oscillation and rotation around its center of mass, namely, the heaving and pitching movement, particularly in specimens with high stiffness. The present analysis shows that the heaving and pitching locomotion induced by the fluid significantly increase the traveling wave proportion by modulating the amplitude and phase of the left and right traveling waves viewed in forward frame. We called it fluidic undulation effects (FUE), which is different from the undulation of body deformation. This effect is more pronounced for large stiffnesses and thin airfoils. The standing wave deformation observed with a large stiffness transforms into a traveling wave propulsion pattern, with its traveling wave index even slightly surpassing that of a small-stiffness pattern. Although the efficiency of the standing wave deformation is low, it facilitates a faster forward speed (body lengths per stroke). The positive impact of the FUE on the swimming performance is also confirmed by restricting the recoil motions of the lateral translation and rotation of the body. Furthermore, we observe that there is no undulatory swimming gait that has both the highest energy efficiency and the highest speed.

Strong impact and engraving characteristics of multi-layer metallic materials under a two-stage combustion condition

Abstract This work is focused on the strong deformation motion mechanism of multi-layer metallic materials under extreme pressure conditions accompanied by a strong impact effect between the projectile composed of multi-layer metallic materials and the steel barrel of the launcher itself. Here, this transient engraving process of the projectile with complicated stress–strain based on a new type of structure and propulsion pattern is firstly studied by proposing a new physical and mathematical model with a coupling of dynamical equations and two-stage combustion ballistic equations. Comparisons of engraving distance of computational results are done with experimental studies, and a reasonable match has been obtained in these comparisons. Further, the thickness effect of the metal jacket of the projectile on the engraving stress and deformation level is analyzed to obtain universal engraving resistance equations. The results have also shown that the projectile's whole transient deformation motion process in the launcher can be divided into three periods due to the initial slide impact effect under the first-stage propellant gas and the later propelling effect as the second-stage propellant is ignited. However, the engraving durations are all less than 0.7 ms with different levels of elastic-plastic deformations between multi-layer metallic materials for different conditions.

Biodegradable magnesium fuel-based Janus micromotors with surfactant induced motion direction reversal

The speed and motion directionality of bubble-propelled micromotors is dependent on bubble lifetime, bubble formation frequency and bubble stabilization. Absence and presence of bubble stabilizing agents should significantly influence speed and propulsion pattern of a micromotor, especially for fast-diffusing molecules like hydrogen. This study demonstrates a fully biodegradable Janus structured micromotor, propelled by hydrogen bubbles generated by the chemical reaction between hydrochloric acid and magnesium. Six different concentrations of hydrochloric acid and five different concentrations of the surfactant Triton X-100 were tested, which also cover the critical micelle concentration at a pH corresponding to an empty stomach. The Janus micromotor reverses its propulsion direction depending on the availability and concentration of a surfactant. Upon surfactant-free condition, the Janus micromotor is propelled by bubble cavitation, causing the micromotor to be pulled at high speed for short time intervals into the direction of the imploding bubble and thus backwards. In case of available surfactant above the critical micelle concentration, the Janus micromotor is pushed forward by the generated bubbles, which emerge at high frequency and form a bubble trail. The finding of the propulsion direction reversal effect demonstrates the importance to investigate the motion properties of artificial micromotors in a variety of different environments prior to application, especially with surfactants, since biological media often contain large amounts of surface-active components.

Symmetry Analysis of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Using Motion Capture Techniques

There is no consensus among researchers on the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion concerning the bilateral symmetry assumption. On one hand, the assumption is advantageous, as it allows for the simplification of data collection, processing, and analysis. It also facilitates the modelling of wheelchair propulsion biomechanics. On the other hand, there are reports that the validity of the bilateral symmetry assumption is unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to analyse the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion for side-to-side differences. Motion capture techniques based on ArUco with the use of OpenCV libraries were used for this purpose. The research was carried out on a group of 10 healthy and inexperienced volunteers with a semi-circular propulsion pattern, who declared right-handedness. The tests were carried out on a hard, even surface, without an additional load, within the frequency of the propelling phases dictated by sound signals, amounting to 30 BPM. The positions of markers on the hand, elbow, and wrist were analysed. As a result, a cloud of points of the markers’ displacement on the sagittal plane in the propulsion push progress function was obtained. The results were averaged with a breakdown by the right and left hand for individual persons, but also for the entire group of volunteers. A comparative analysis and the mutual position of the confidence intervals of the determined mean values were also performed. The collected data suggest that the mean values for individual participants show greater asymmetry than the mean positions of the markers for the entire group of participants. Therefore, the assumption about the symmetry of upper limb propulsion may not be true when analysing the biomechanics of propulsion for individuals, although it may be accurate when analysing larger groups of persons (participants free of upper-extremity pain or impairment).

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation through Kinematic Analysis of Upper Limb Functioning in Wheelchair Basketball Athletes: A Pilot Study

Wheelchair basketball is one of the most popular Paralympic sports, including players with different diagnoses. To date, there is scarce evidence on shoulder functionality in wheelchair basketball players, and there is no consensus on a shoulder injury prevention program in these athletes. Therefore, in the present pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive rehabilitative approach on shoulder ROM, muscle activity, and functioning in wheelchair basketball athletes. We included adult wheelchair basketball athletes playing in the Italian Second League who completed an 8-week comprehensive rehabilitative program, based on education to avoid upper limb pain injuries, preventive exercises, and improvement of ergonomics through kinematic analysis. We administered the Wheelchair User’s Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI) and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) questionnaire to evaluate pain experienced during functional activities, and used kinematic analysis integrated with sEMG to evaluate shoulder function and propulsion pattern. A sample of 10 wheelchair athletes (33.75 ± 6.42 years) were assessed. After the intervention there was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in WUSPI score (27.0 ± 18.5 vs. 25.0 ± 21.5) and in KJOC score (89.3 ± 10.4 to 95.4 ± 9.1). Moreover, there was a significant improvement in scapular upward rotation, abduction, and extra-rotation of the glenohumeral joint. Propulsion techniques improved in pattern and acceleration. This approach played a key role in improving upper limb function, reducing the incidence of pain and cumulative trauma disorders. However, the small sample size could affect the generalizability of results. In conclusion, healthcare professionals should monitor wheelchair athletes, assessing the patient’s function, ergonomics, equipment, and level of pain, and introducing specific exercises to prevent upper limb injuries.

Propulsion efficiency in wheelchair tennis: a case study on the influence of the racket on the handrim forces

Abstract Aims: to evaluate how the act of holding a tennis racket influences the application of forces in the handrim during manual wheelchair propulsion at a self-selected comfortable speed and sprint. Methods: A case study was conducted with an experienced wheelchair tennis player who propelled the wheelchair in a straightforward trajectory at two different velocities (self-selected comfortable speed and sprint) in two different conditions (freehand and holding the racket). Kinetic and temporal data of the pushes were obtained with the SmartWheel system attached in substitution to the conventional rear wheel at the dominant side of the player. Results: holding the racket affects the propulsion pattern mainly when an accelerated movement is required (sprint). Compared to the propulsion at a self-selected speed, propelling the chair as fast as possible with the racket in hands resulted in lower total and tangential forces on the handrim, and decreased push time and increased push frequency. Conclusion: Such influence on both kinetic and temporal propulsion impact the mechanical efficiency of the manual wheelchair propulsion, which may, ultimately, affect the sport´s performance. Special attention should be directed to the propulsion training with the racket in maneuvers and motions that are characteristic of the wheelchair tennis match in an attempt to provide the athlete with proper technique for optimal propulsion efficiency and sports performance.

Considering Propulsion Pattern in Therapeutic Outcomes for Children Who Use Manual Wheelchairs.

Children who use manual wheelchairs encounter pain and injury risks to the upper body. Current literature does not describe how propulsion pattern and physiotherapeutic training methodologies impact response to treatment. This study assesses the effect of community-based intensive physical and occupational therapy on functional outcomes over a 7-week period in pediatric manual wheelchair users. Key results include significant joint and musculotendon kinematic differences at the shoulder, improved speed and propulsion effectiveness, and changed propulsion pattern. Statistics also revealed that propulsion pattern was a predictor of response to therapy, as was weekly therapeutic duration, wheelchair-specific focus by the therapists, and stretching.

Commentary on "Considering Propulsion Pattern in Therapeutic Outcomes for Children Who Use Manual Wheelchairs".

“How should I apply this information?” This research article is addressing an area of need in pediatrics. There is limited research for users of manual wheelchair, especially in the area of biomechanics. The research that is available has been adapted from adults. There is an increased incidence of teenagers and young adults who use manual wheelchair and have overuse injuries based on their propulsion patterns and decreased incidence of strengthening and stretching the antagonist muscles. The intensive approach described in this research is desirable because it occurs at camp and was functional and fun. “What should I be mindful about when applying this information?” The intensive intervention approach described in this article affected speed, distance, and effectiveness of manual wheelchair propulsion. It is unclear how this translated to daily life outside of camp. The children were in an environment with uneven terrain, which may affect their propulsion skills, especially if the expectation was that they would self-propel, rather than receive assistance. The outcome measures provide meaningful information to make goals clinically relevant at initial evaluation, reevaluation, and discharge. Future directions should track propulsion patterns through the lifespan, recreate this approach clinically, and investigate whether manual wheelchair-directed interventions have more of an effect in comparison to more generalized interventions. Bethany M. Sloane, PT, DPT, PCS Oregon Health & Science University Portland, Oregon Felicity Case, PT, DPT, PCS Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel Portland, Oregon

Inter-joint coordination patterns differ between younger and older runners

Older runners are at greater risk of certain running-related injuries. Previous work demonstrated that aging influences running biomechanics, and suggest a compensatory relation between changes in the proximal and distal joints. Previous comparisons of interjoint coordination strategies between young and older runners could potentially have missed relevant differences by averaging coordination measures across time. ObjectiveTo compare coordination strategies between male runners under the age of 30 to those over the age of 60. MethodsTwelve young (22 ± 3 yrs, 1.80 ± 0.07 m, 78.0 ± 12.1 kg) and 12 older (63 ± 3 yrs, 1.78 ± 0.06 m, 73.2 ± 15.8 kg) male runners ran at 3.35 m/s on an instrumented treadmill. Ankle frontal plane, tibial transverse plane, knee sagittal plane, and hip frontal plane motion were measured. Inter-joint coordination was calculated using a modified vector coding technique. Coordination patterns and variability time series were compared between groups throughout stance using ANOVA for circular data. ResultsAt the ankle, older runners use in-phase propulsion (inversion, tibia external rotation) pattern following midstance (46–47% stance) while young runners are still in an in-phase collapse pattern (eversion, tibia external rotation). In coordination of the knee and hip, older runners maintained an in-phase collapse pattern (knee flexion, hip adduction) approaching midstance (35–37% stance), while younger runners use an out of phase strategy (knee extension, hip adduction). In coordination of the ankle and hip in the frontal plane, older runners again maintained an in phase collapse pattern up to midstance (34–39% stance), while younger runners used an out of phase strategy (ankle inversion, hip adduction). Variability was similar between age groups. ConclusionOlder runners appear to display altered coordination patterns during mid-stance, which may indicate protective biomechanical adaptations. These changes may also have implications for performance in older runners.

Assessment of a markerless motion analysis system for manual wheelchair application

BackgroundWheelchair biomechanics research advances accessibility and clinical care for manual wheelchair users. Standardized outcome assessments are vital tools for tracking progress, but there is a strong need for more quantitative methods. A system offering kinematic, quantitative detection, with the ease of use of a standardized outcome assessment, would be optimal for repeated, longitudinal assessment of manual wheelchair users’ therapeutic progress, but has yet to be offered.ResultsThis work evaluates a markerless motion analysis system for manual wheelchair mobility in clinical, community, and home settings. This system includes Microsoft® Kinect® 2.0 sensors, OpenSim musculoskeletal modeling, and an automated detection, processing, and training interface. The system is designed to be cost-effective, easily used by caregivers, and capable of detecting key kinematic metrics involved in manual wheelchair propulsion. The primary technical advancements in this research are the software components necessary to detect and process the upper extremity kinematics during manual wheelchair propulsion, along with integration of the components into a complete system. The study defines and evaluates an adaptable systems methodology for processing kinematic data using motion capture technology and open-source musculoskeletal models to assess wheelchair propulsion pattern and biomechanics, and characterizes its accuracy, sensitivity and repeatability. Inter-trial repeatability of spatiotemporal parameters, joint range of motion, and musculotendon excursion were all found to be significantly correlated (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe system is recommended for use in clinical settings for frequent wheelchair propulsion assessment, provided the limitations in precision are considered. The motion capture-model software bridge methodology could be applied in the future to any motion-capture system or specific application, broadening access to detailed kinematics while reducing assessment time and cost.

Controllable switching between planar and helical flagellar swimming of a soft robotic sperm.

Sperm cells undergo a wide variety of swimming patterns by a beating flagellum to maintain high speed regardless of the rheological and physical properties of the background fluid. In this work, we develop and control a soft robotic sperm that undergoes controllable switching between swimming modes like biological sperm cells. The soft robotic sperm consists of a magnetic head and an ultra-thin flexible flagellum, and is actuated using external magnetic fields. We observe that out-of-plane wobbling of the head results in helical wave propagation along the flagellum, whereas in-plane wobbling achieves planar wave propagation. Our theoretical predictions and experimental results show the ability of the soft robotic sperm to change its swimming speed by tuning the beating frequency of its flagellum and the propulsion pattern. The average speed of the soft robotic sperm increases by factors of 2 and 1.2 in fluids with viscosity of 1 Pa.s and 5 Pa.s at relatively low actuation frequencies, respectively, when they switch between planar to helical flagellar propulsion.

Effect of Wheelchair Stroke Pattern on Upper Extremity Muscle Fatigue

BackgroundShoulder dysfunction is common in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) with an incidence of up to 63%. Dysfunction is a result of muscle imbalances, specifically denervated rotator cuff muscles that are repetitively used during manual wheelchair propulsion. ObjectiveTo determine which arm stroke technique, pump (P) or semicircular (SC), is most energy efficient for long periods of propulsion. DesignA randomized study with repeated measures observations. SettingThe study was performed at an institutional gait analysis laboratory. Participants18 able-bodied (AB) male participants were studied and randomized into one of 2 conditions, SC or P. MethodsShoulder muscle fatigue was measured by changes in Borg CR10 Rate of Perceived Exertion (Borg RPE) and upper extremity strength via a handheld dynamometer. Participants were studied and assigned into one of 2 conditions of wheelchair arm propulsion patterns, SC or P group, and propelled on a wheelchair treadmill for 10 minutes. Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcomes included recordings of Borg RPE scale during continuous wheelchair propulsion and pre- and post-test dynamometer testing means for bilateral elbow and shoulder extension. Analysis of covariance, t-tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in analyzing data. ResultsAlthough not significant (P = .23), the Borg RPE scores for the SC condition were consistently higher than the scores for the P condition. In addition, the dynamometer pre- and post-test readings demonstrated a larger decrease for the SC condition participants than for the P condition participants, but were not statistically significant. ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that the SC wheelchair propulsion pattern appears to be more fatiguing to shoulder muscles than the P propulsion pattern. However, more data would need to be collected to find a significant difference. Level of EvidenceII

Toward community-based wheelchair evaluation with machine learning methods.

IntroductionUpper extremity pain among manual wheelchair users induces functional decline and reduces quality of life. Research has identified chronic overuse due to wheelchair propulsion as one of the factors associated with upper limb injuries. Lack of a feasible tool to track wheelchair propulsion in the community precludes testing validity of wheelchair propulsion performed in the laboratory. Recent studies have shown that wheelchair propulsion can be tracked through machine learning methods and wearable accelerometers. Better results were found in subject-specific machine learning method. To further develop this technique, we conducted a pilot study examining the feasibility of measuring wheelchair propulsion patterns.MethodsTwo participants, an experienced manual wheelchair user and an able-bodied individual, wore two accelerometers on their arms. The manual wheelchair user performed wheelchair propulsion patterns on a wheelchair roller system and overground. The able-bodied participant performed common daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and eating.ResultsThe support vector machine built from the wrist and arm acceleration of wheelchair propulsion pattern recorded on the wheelchair roller system predicted the wheelchair propulsion patterns performed overground with 99.7% accuracy. The support vector machine built from additional rotation data recorded overground predicted wheelchair propulsion patterns (F1 = 0.968).ConclusionsThese results further demonstrate the possibility of tracking wheelchair propulsion in the community.

Subsea crab bounding gait of leg-paddle hybrid driven shoal crablike robot

This paper presents the design principles of a novel subsea propulsion pattern named as crab bounding gait for the shoal crablike robot and the gait experimental results. The concept of leg-paddle hybrid driven shoal crablike robot is developed for shoal environment; the robot moves on the seabed by employing six 3DOFs walking legs and swims by two 3DOFs swimming paddles. The proposed gait is derived by mimicking the movement mode of biological swimming crab when preying or being attacked underwater. Three aspects of gait planning, including gait process planning, kinematics modelling and trajectory planning, and subsea dynamics analyzing in back stance phase and flight phase by considering hydrodynamic factors such as water resistance and buoyancy, are discussed in this work. Experimental results of subsea crab bounding gait are presented and used to make a comparison with the bionic wave gait; the current and pitch angle of body centroid are monitored in real time. It is demonstrated that the average motion speed improves by 54%, and the total power consumption of crab bounding gait is 14.5 W, which enables that the total cost of transport (TCoT) decreases from 6.8 to 3.7 against bionic wave gait.

An instrumented manual wheelchair as a alternative to video analysis for validating locomotion task detection tools

Manual wheelchair (MWC) is a constraining form of locomotion for the musculoskeletal system and many MWC users are concerned by musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Detecting and quantifying MWC related activities are of high interest for the day-to-day follow-up of patients using a MWC as a primary mode of locomotion. Indeed, it could assist clinician in early identification of MSD occurrence or optimizing the user environment (furnishing arrangements, etc). Since few years, several tools combining sensors and data processing algorithms were developed. However, the validation of these tools is difficult, in particular because video analysis used as a reference is both highly time consuming and sometimes inaccurate due to the cameras field of view. Hence, there is a need of an alternative reference method to facilitate the validation of such tools. As an alternative to video analysis, we propose to use an instrumented MWC, initially dedicated for investigating MWC biomechanics, as a new reference method for tasks identifications. This MWC was equipped with handrim dynamometers to measure handrim forces and two angular potentiometers fixed on rear wheels to determine the MWC trajectory. Data processing included data aggregation followed by multichannel symbolic representation based on force and velocity thresholds. Currently, the method was implemented for flat horizontal displacement and allowed distinguishing resting: start-up, propulsion, braking and turning motion various curvature radii. The method was tested on 18 able-bodied subjects during actual displacements. Results show that for most subjects, the method allowed identifying start-up, propulsion, braking and turning motion tasks. However, a specific adaptation of some thresholds was required for 2 subjects. Since the first subject kept his hands on the handrims during the recovery phase, making difficult the separation of the different tasks and the other subject used a desynchronized propulsion pattern between right and left upper-limbs (close to an alternative push strategy), which resulted in a failure of the identification of propulsion cycle. Even if a real validation of this method against video analysis is still required, the results of the method are encouraging. Some works are still needed to include displacements on more various inclined surfaces and uneven terrain.

Evaluation of pediatric manual wheelchair mobility using advanced biomechanical methods.

There is minimal research of upper extremity joint dynamics during pediatric wheelchair mobility despite the large number of children using manual wheelchairs. Special concern arises with the pediatric population, particularly in regard to the longer duration of wheelchair use, joint integrity, participation and community integration, and transitional care into adulthood. This study seeks to provide evaluation methods for characterizing the biomechanics of wheelchair use by children with spinal cord injury (SCI). Twelve subjects with SCI underwent motion analysis while they propelled their wheelchair at a self-selected speed and propulsion pattern. Upper extremity joint kinematics, forces, and moments were computed using inverse dynamics methods with our custom model. The glenohumeral joint displayed the largest average range of motion (ROM) at 47.1° in the sagittal plane and the largest average superiorly and anteriorly directed joint forces of 6.1% BW and 6.5% BW, respectively. The largest joint moments were 1.4% body weight times height (BW × H) of elbow flexion and 1.2% BW × H of glenohumeral joint extension. Pediatric manual wheelchair users demonstrating these high joint demands may be at risk for pain and upper limb injuries. These evaluation methods may be a useful tool for clinicians and therapists for pediatric wheelchair prescription and training.

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

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.

Comparative Analysis of Thrust Generation of Biomimetic Bluespotted Stingray Pectoral Fin under Two Undulating Propulsion Patterns

Fishes that rely on fin undulating motion to propel themselves usually have an extraordinary stability and maneuvering.Among them,the propulsion patterns are generally divided into two types according to the amplitude envelop formation of travelling wave,i.e.amplitude gradually increases from anterior to posterior and amplitude that stay consistent along the fin.A biomimetic pectoral fin of bluespotted ray is developed,and an experiment is implemented to investigate the differences of thrust between the two propulsion patterns under different undulating frequency,amplitude and wavelength.The experimental results illustrate that the propulsion thrust mainly increases with the increase of undulating frequency,amplitude and wavelength under both propulsion patterns.However,the thrust generated under the pattern with amplitude gradually increases from anterior to posterior is always larger than the one generated under the pattern with amplitude that stay consistent along the fin under the same kinematic parameters.Thus,for a further investigation to the experiment observations,a two dimensional biomimetic pectoral fin model is established.By taking advantage of finite volume method(FVM),the model and its corresponding computational region were dissociated.Then,the propulsion thrust of the two patterns is calculated based on computational fluid dynamic(CFD).A comparative analysis of thrust generation under different frequency,amplitude and wavelength is carried out.Finally,the pressure contour and vortex distribution in the wake of the fin is illustrated.The current findings are used for propulsion pattern selection of biomimetic fin to achieve efficient and reliable application.

Manual wheelchair-related mobility characteristics of older adults in nursing homes

Aim. Manual wheelchairs are commonly prescribed for older adults in nursing homes (NH). The extent of their utilisation being unknown may result in the prescription of standard wheelchairs. The purpose of this study was to quantify manual wheelchair use by nursing home residents.Methods. Seventy-two independent wheelchair users were recruited from four NH (two VA-affiliated and two private). A customised wheelchair data logger was attached to each participant's wheelchair for 1 month. Data were reduced and compared separately for VA- affiliated and private facilities by types of propulsion pattern (arms versus legs and the combination of arms and legs) using MANOVA.Results. Participants from the VA-affiliated facilities who used their arms were covering more distance (1451 m versus 806 m), with greater endurance (73 m versus 60 m) as compared to participants who used combination of arms and legs. However, no difference was observed between velocity of wheelchair propulsion between groups (0.48 m/s versus 0.58 m/s). For private facilities no notable difference was observed between the groups.Conclusion. Older adults who live in NH and use of wheelchairs represent a diverse cohort. The efficacy of using an objective assessment method to measure the extent of use of wheelchairs was demonstrated in this study.