Over half of the wheelchair user population has developed upper extremity (UE) pain and injury. Propulsion technique has been found to be a predictor of UE injury. Despite the clearly important role of propulsion technique in wheelchair locomotion, little is known about how to optimally propel a wheelchair. The reason for the lack of information is primarily a lack of research in this area. Improving the ergonomics of an individual’s propulsion technique holds the potential to delay or even prevent the development of UE pain and injury.
This project will address the need for fundamental research in wheelchair propulsion technique. The objectives of the project are to:
1) Develop the instrumentation and methods required to provide real-time individually tailored propulsion technique biofeedback.
2) Develop a forward dynamics model and simulation of wheelchair propulsion to predict optimal biofeedback strategies.
3) Perform biomechanical evaluations of wheelchair users using various biofeedback strategies to identify the propulsion technique that minimizes physical demand.
4) Select the optimal biofeedback strategy and assess its efficacy and longevity through repeated training sessions.