title: A comparison between intermittent and constant wheelchair propulsion strategies.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different synchronous push strategies on physiological parameters and temporal timing characteristics. Eight novice male able-bodied participants completed four counter-balanced conditions: two push strategies (constant pushing) and intermittent pushing (INT) at two push frequencies (40 and 70 pushes/min) at 27 W. The ANOVA main effects for frequency indicated that regardless of push strategy, oxygen cost and mechanical efficiency increased with an increase in push frequency (p < 0.01). The INT40 strategy resulted in the lowest heart rate (115 +/- 19 beats/min). With increased frequency the push angle was reduced (91 degrees vs. 78 degrees respectively) and the push was initiated at a more anterior position of the wheel (p < 0.05). The results suggest that regardless of push strategy, the over-riding factor that influences both the physiological and timing parameters measured was push frequency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Institute of Biophysical and Clinical Research into Human Movement, Manchester Metropolitan University, Alsager, UK. v.tolfrey@mmu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Victoria L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Goosey-Tolfrey
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Lenton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D006113:United Kingdom; D014910:Wheelchairs