title: Maneuverability and usability analysis of three knee-extension propelled wheelchairs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the maneuverability and usability of three knee-extension propelled wheelchairs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The maneuverability of the knee-extension propelled wheelchairs was determined in a controlled test representing five standard wheelchair activities. The usability of the wheelchairs was evaluated in a field test with elderly residents of an extended care facility in Salt Lake City.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicate that the wheelchair designs using a swinging (four-bar linkage) or sliding belt mechanism are preferred to a sliding plate design.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of knee-extension propelled wheelchairs is a feasible alternative to hand propelled wheelchairs. Further development and research is needed to address power requirements, maneuverability, and entrance/egress from the chairs.
authors.affiliation: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. bloswick@mech.utah.edu
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Bloswick
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Mecham
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D014910:Wheelchairs