title: Validation of a biofeedback system for wheelchair propulsion training.
abstract: This paper describes the design and validation of the OptiPush Biofeedback System, a commercially available, instrumented wheel system that records handrim biomechanics and provides stroke-by-stroke biofeedback and targeting for 11 propulsion variables. Testing of the system revealed accurate measurement of wheel angle (0.02% error), wheel speed (0.06% error), and handrim loads. The maximum errors in static force and torque measurements were 3.80% and 2.05%, respectively. Measured forces were also found to be highly linear (0.985 < slope < 1.011) and highly correlated to the reference forces (r(2) > .998). Dynamic measurements of planar forces (F(x) and F(y)) and axle torque also had low error (-0.96 N to 0.83 N for force and 0.10 Nm to 0.14 Nm for torque) and were highly correlated (r > .986) with expected force and torque values. Overall, the OptiPush Biofeedback System provides accurate measurement of wheel dynamics and handrim biomechanics and may be a useful tool for improving manual wheelchair propulsion.
authors: Biomechanics Laboratory, MAX Mobility, LLC, 5425 Mount View Parkway, Antioch, TN 37013, USA.
authors: Liyun
authors: L
authors: Guo
authors: Andrew M
authors: AM
authors: Kwarciak
authors: Russell
authors: R
authors: Rodriguez
authors: Nilanjan
authors: N
authors: Sarkar
authors: W Mark
authors: WM
authors: Richter