title: Ramp length/grade prescriptions for wheelchair dependent individuals.
abstract: The aim of this work was to provide well defined criteria for ramp construction for wheelchair dependent individuals (WDI). Force capability was measured in a large sample (140) of WDI, who presented different levels of motor impairment. Levels of impairment were established on the basis of the answers given in a questionnaire regarding the degree of self sufficiency at home as well as outside the home and active participation in sports events. Taking into account those WDI who exhibited at least a minimal level of self-sufficiency, the following prescriptions are indicated. For a 1 metre ramp length, allowable maximal incline 15%; up to 3 metre ramp length, maximal incline 10%. The reliability of such prescriptions was confirmed by having a test ramp traversed by 43 WDI. These values are suggested as confidence limits when faced with public building accommodations. Special prescriptions could be adopted for selected populations of WDI.
authors.affiliation: Center for Neuromotor Rehabilitation, Santa Lucia Clinic, Rome.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Canale
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Felici
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marchetti
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ricci
mesh_terms: D001107:Architectural Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005160:Facility Design and Construction / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014910:Wheelchairs