Actively Recruiting
Multi-speed Ergonomic Wheelchair to Improve Propulsion Efficiency and Shoulder Ergonomics in Manual Wheelchair Users
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-04-20
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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 (3:2), normal (1:1), and high (2:3). 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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Multi-speed Ergonomic Wheelchair
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Uses a manual wheelchair daily
- Body mass less than 125 kg
- Age 18 years or older
- Able to provide consent and participate fully
- Body size compatible with 16" or 18" wheelchair seat widths
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of sitting surface pressure injuries
- Flap procedure for pressure injury within the past year
- Unable to obtain clinically acceptable seating system for study wheelchairs
- Unable to propel a manual wheelchair
- Upper extremity or spine conditions making participation unsafe (e.g., recent surgeries, fractures, tendon tears, nerve impingement)
- Medical conditions such as cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases that pose safety risks
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 4 weeks after enrollment
Participants will use a single speed ergonomic wheelchair to test three different gear ratio setups (3:2, 1:1, 2:3) to explore propulsion efficiency on various terrains.
Multiple visits within 4 weeks for testing different gear ratios
Duration - Up to 4 weeks after enrollment
Participants will try a new multi-speed ergonomic wheelchair with two hand rims per side allowing gear changes by pushing different rims and provide feedback for design improvement.
Multiple visits within 4 weeks for multi-speed wheelchair testing and feedback
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55417-2309
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
John M Looft, PhD
A
Alexandria N Richardson, MS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
3
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