Consequence of feedback-based learning of an effective hand rim wheelchair force production on mechanical efficiency.
OBJECTIVE
Investigation of the effect of visual feedback on effective hand rim wheelchair force production and the subsequent effect on gross mechanical efficiency.


METHODS
Ten subjects in an experimental group and 10 subjects in a control group practised three weeks (3.wk(-1), i.e., a pre-test and 8 trials) on a computer-controlled wheelchair ergometer. Every trial consisted of two blocks of 4 min at 0.15 and 0.25 W.kg(-1) at 1.11 m.s(-1). On three trials an additional block at 0.40 W.kg(-1) was performed. The experimental group practised with and the control group practised without visual feedback on the effectiveness of force production.


BACKGROUND
In mechanical terms, the low gross mechanical efficiency of hand rim wheelchair propulsion may be the result of ineffective force production.


METHODS
During all trials oxygen uptake, power output, forces and torque on the hand rims were measured.


RESULTS
In comparison with the control group, the experimental group at trial 8 had a significantly more effective force production compared to the control group (90-97% vs. 79-83%, respectively), but showed a significantly lower mechanical efficiency (5.5-8.5% vs. 5.9-9.9%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings indicate that the most effective force production from a mechanical point of view is not necessarily the most efficient way--in terms of energy cost-- from a biological point of view and that force direction is based on an optimization of cost and effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Learning a more effective force production by visual feedback is not useful for increasing the mechanical efficiency of hand rim wheelchair propulsion.
de Groot
S
S
Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, The Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Human Movement Sciences (IFKB), Vrije Universiteit, Van der Boechorststraat 9, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. s.de.groot@fbw.vu.nl
Veeger
H E J
HE
Hollander
A P
AP
van der Woude
L H V
LH
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016552:Ergometry; D005246:Feedback; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014910:Wheelchairs