Wheelchairs propulsion analysis: review

• Published in: Fisioterapia em movimento 2012-03, Vol.25 (1), p.185-194
• Main Authors: Sagawa Júnior, Yoshimasa, Haupenthal, Alessandro, Borges Junior, Noé Gomes, Santos, Daniela Pacheco dos, Watelain, Eric
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Instrumentation; Lesion; ORTHOPEDICS; REHABILITATION; Wheelchair
• ISSN: 0103-5150; 1980-5918; 0103-5150
• DOI: 10.1590/S0103-51502012000100018

OBJECTIVES: To analyze aspects related with wheelchair propulsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to delineate this review the search for information was carried out within electronics databases, using the following descriptors: "wheelchair propulsion", "wheelchair biomechanics" e "wheelchair users". Full papers published in English and French were included in the study. RESULTS: The wheelchair propulsion is a complex movement that requires the execution of repeated bi manual forces applications during a short time period. In this movement high levels of force must be produced due to the bad mechanical performance of the wheelchair. Could be characterized that wheelchair users are not satisfied with their wheelchair, the places are not adapted to their presence and lack of specific criteria for the adjustment of this equipment. The main points to look at are the seat height in relation to elbow flexion (100-120 degrees) with his hand in the propulsion rim and tire pressure. The semicircular mode of technique propulsion seems to be more appropriate; in this pattern the wheelchair user returns his hand under the rim after propulsion. Efforts in wheelchairs are high and the incidence of injuries in wheelchair users is high. CONCLUSION: One can conclude that in spite of researchers’ efforts there are still many divergences between topics and methods of evaluation, what makes difficult to apply the experimental results to the wheelchairs users’ daily life. OBJETIVOS: Analisar aspectos relacionados à propulsão em cadeira de rodas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Para o delineamento desta revisão, foi realizada uma busca em bases de dados eletrônicas a partir das seguintes palavras-chave: wheelchair propulsion, wheelchair biomechanics e wheelchair uses. Foram selecionados artigos completos nas línguas francesa e inglesa. RESULTADOS: A propulsão em cadeira de rodas é um movimento complexo que requer a execução de repetidas aplicações de força durante curto período de tempo. Nesse movimento são exigidos altos níveis de força em razão do baixo rendimento mecânico da cadeira. Pôde ser caracterizado que os cadeirantes não estão satisfeitos com suas cadeiras, os locais não estão adaptados à sua presença e faltam critérios específicos para o ajuste desse importante equipamento. Os principais pontos a serem observados, quanto aos ajustes, são a altura do banco em relação à posição de flexão do cotovelo (100 a 120 graus) com a mão no aro de propulsão e o cuidado com a pressão nos p