This article proposes a simple and convenient method for assessing the subject-specific rolling resistance acting on a manual wheelchair, which could be used during the provision of clinical service. This method, based on a simple mathematical equation, is sensitive to both the total mass and its fore-aft distribution, which changes with the subject, wheelchair properties, and adjustments. The ...

This paper presents a systems model for racing wheelchair propulsion. Recently, an interest has developed in computer and mathematical models of racing wheelchair propulsion with the goal of improving performance and efficiency. The model in this paper is first presented in block diagram form and later described in greater detail. Equations are presented that describe the motion of a racing whe...

This task has relied upon a combination of computer simulation and experimental testing. Computer crash simulation models were developed and validated for use in the study of factors influencing injury risk of wheelchair occupants in a crash. A wheelchair transportation-specific Injury Risk Assessment method was developed and used in the comparison of injury risk associated with various wheelch...

BACKGROUND Recent advances in wheeled mobility technology are multiplying opportunities for community integration and improved quality of life. The mobility needs of older wheelchair users are particularly complex due to a constellation of chronic conditions and comorbidities that may compromise optimal use of the device. The purpose of the Mobility Outcomes via Information Technologies (MOvIT)...

While the needs of many individuals with disabilities can be satisfied with power wheelchairs, some members of the disabled community find it difficult or impossible to operate a standard power wheelchair. To accommodate this population, several researchers have used technologies originally developed for mobile robots to create "smart wheelchairs" that reduce the physical, perceptual, and cogni...

Intelligent wheelchairs (IWs) can become an important solution to the challenge of assisting individuals who have disabilities and are thus unable to perform their daily activities using classic powered wheelchairs. This article describes the concept and design of IntellWheels, a modular platform to facilitate the development of IWs through a multiagent system paradigm. In fact, modularity is a...

The increasingly popular hyperflexed knee-flexion angle was evaluated to determine its effects on wheelchair turning. Twenty able-bodied subjects were tested comparing the effect of full knee extension and full knee flexion on a number of parameters. We empirically measured the angular velocity of subjects spinning 720 degrees in place, subjects' perceived ease of wheelchair turning, the overal...

When executing turning maneuvers, manual wheelchair users must overcome the rotational inertia of the wheelchair system. Differences in wheelchair rotational inertia can result in increases in torque required to maneuver, resulting in greater propulsion effort and stress on the shoulder joints. The inertias of various configurations of an ultralightweight wheelchair were measured using a rotati...

Nowadays one can witness the increase of the world population carrying some kind of physical disability, affecting locomotion. With the objective of responding to numerous mobility problems, various intelligent wheelchair related projects have been created in the last years. The development of an Intelligent Wheelchair requires a lot of testing due to the complexity of the algorithms used and t...

The aim of this present study is to design a wheelchair with sensor communicator system that could operate the wheelchair with the help of head movement. The targeted people for this study are handicapped person and quadriplegic and disabled person as this could be operated easily through head motion sense. Present study also focuses on reducing the overall cost to make it economically availabl...