Comparing handrim biomechanics for treadmill and overground wheelchair propulsion.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


OBJECTIVE
To compare handrim biomechanics recorded during overground propulsion with those recorded during propulsion on a motor-driven treadmill.


METHODS
Biomechanics laboratory.


METHODS
In all, 28 manual wheelchair users propelled their own wheelchairs, at a self-selected speed, on a low-pile carpet and on a wheelchair accessible treadmill. Handrim biomechanics were recorded with an OptiPush instrumented wheelchair wheel.


RESULTS
Across the two conditions, all handrim biomechanics were found to be similar and highly correlated (r>0.85). Contact angle, peak force, average force and peak axle moment differed by 1.6% or less across the two conditions. Although not significant, power output and cadence tended to be slightly higher for the treadmill condition (3.5 and 3.6%, respectively), owing to limitations in adjusting the treadmill grade.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results of this study, a motor-driven treadmill can serve as a valid surrogate for overground studies of wheelchair propulsion.
Biomechanics Laboratory, MAX Mobility, LLC, Antioch, TN 37013, USA. andrew@max-mobility.com
A M
AM
Kwarciak
J T
JT
Turner
L
L
Guo
W M
WM
Richter
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000592:standards*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult