Actively Recruiting
Multi-speed Ergonomic Wheelchair
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-04-20
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
140 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Over one million Americans rely on their upper extremities for manual wheelchair propulsion. Shoulder overuse injuries are prevalent among manual wheelchair users and these injuries often result in shoulder pain. Severe shoulder pain can lead some wheelchair users to transition from manual to powered mobility, complicating transportation, and reducing independence in activities of daily living. This project will expand the understanding of a new wheelchair design that allows better positioning of the hand rims and allows for different gearing. The investigators will study steady-state propulsion efficiency with different gear ratios and develop a new system with multiple gear ratios. The advanced gearing will allow for a low gear when initiating movement, going uphill, or when moving over carpet, and then a higher gear option for movements on hard flat level terrain. This system has the potential to dramatically improve shoulder ergonomics and reduce pain in many future manual wheelchair users.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Multi-speed Ergonomic Wheelchair
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Uses manual wheelchair daily
- Body mass less than 125 kg
- Age 18 years or older
- Able to provide informed consent and fully participate in study procedures
- Body size suitable to fit wheelchairs with 16" and 18" seat widths
You will not qualify if you...
- Current pressure injuries on sitting surface
- Flap surgery for pressure injury within the last year
- Unable to use a clinically acceptable seating system for the study wheelchairs
- Unable to propel a manual wheelchair
- Upper extremity or spine conditions making study unsafe (e.g., recent surgeries, fractures, tendon tears, nerve impingement)
- Medical conditions such as cardiovascular or pulmonary disease making participation unsafe (assessed by physician)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
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
CONTACT
A
Alexandria N Richardson, MS
CONTACT
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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