Effect of power-assistance on upper limb biomechanical and physiological variables during a 6-minute, manual wheelchair propulsion test: a randomised, cross-over study

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation 2022-11, Vol.44 (22), p.6783-6787
• Main Authors: Pradon, Didier, Garrec, Elodie, Vaugier, Isabelle, Weissland, Thierry, Hugeron, Caroline
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; biomechanics; Cross-Over Studies; Engineering Sciences; Humans; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; physical capacity; propulsion; rear drive power assistance device; Spinal Cord Injuries; spinal cord injury; Upper Extremity; Wheelchair; Wheelchairs
• ISSN: 0963-8288; 1464-5165; 1464-5165
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1973586

Use of a power-assistance wheelchair could reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), however, a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation of these systems has not been carried out. This study aimed to evaluate and compare biomechanical UL propulsion variables, and physiological exercise-related variables during the use of a wheelchair with rear drive power assist device (RD-PAD) and a standard manual wheelchair (MW). Twenty-two adults with spinal cord injury were recruited. RD-PAD (SmartDrive system) was fitted to their own MW. An instrumented wheel was used to measure handrim forces, and gas exchange and heart rate were monitored. Participants performed repeated out and back runs for 6 min on a straight outdoor course. Distance covered was significantly greater with the RD-PAD (538 ± 104 m versus 470 ± 124 m). Peak mechanical effort during the propulsion phase was significantly lower with the RD-PAD (p