Study of Multi-Speed Ergonomic Wheelchairs with Adjustable Gear Ratios for Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve manual wheelchair use for people with spinal cord diseases or injuries by studying a new ergonomic wheelchair design. Many manual wheelchair users experience shoulder pain from overuse, which can reduce their independence. The study focuses on a wheelchair that positions the hand rims better and offers different gearing options to ease propulsion and potentially reduce shoulder strain. The study has two parts. First, participants will use a single-speed ergonomic wheelchair to test three different gear ratios low 32, normal 11, and high 23. Next, participants will try a newly developed multi-speed ergonomic wheelchair featuring two hand rims per side, allowing users to shift gears simply by choosing which rim to push. These tests will help evaluate propulsion efficiency on various terrains and situations. Participants will complete several tests measuring wheelchair propulsion efficiency, energy use, and mobility performance, including 20 Meter Push Tests on different surfaces, 6 Minute Push Tests, and mobility-related activities. Feedback from users will guide wheelchair design improvements. The study involves up to four weeks of participation, with various assessments to measure work done, energy expenditure, and user experience with the wheelchairs.

Multi-speed Ergonomic Wheelchair