Design of an Automated Multiposition Dynamic Wheelchair

This work presents a design for an automatized multiposition dynamic wheelchair used to transport quadriplegic patients by reconfiguring a manual wheelchair structure. An electric actuator is attached to a four-bar mechanism fixed to each side of a wheelchair’s backrest to reach multiposition. The entire device is actuated through a PID controller. An experimental test is carried out in a simplified wheelchair structure. Finally, the structure of the wheelchair is evaluated through the Dynamic analysis and Finite Element Method under the payload computed with the most critical position reached by the mechanism.

Comparison of Manual Wheelchair and Pushrim-Activated Power-Assisted Wheelchair Propulsion Characteristics during Common Over-Ground Maneuvers

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that use force sensor data to provide on-demand propulsion assistance to manual wheelchair users. However, available data about kinetic and kinematic of PAPAW use are mainly limited to experiments performed on a treadmill or using a dynamometer. In this work, we performed experiments to gather kinetics of wheelchair propulsion and kinematics of wheelchair motion for a variety of over-ground wheelchair maneuvers with a manual wheelchair with and without PAPAWs. Our findings revealed that using PAPAWs can significantly reduce the propulsion effort and push frequency. Both linear and angular velocities of the wheelchair were significantly increased when using PAPAWs. Less force and push frequency could potentially reduce risk of chronic upper limb injury. Higher linear velocity could be desirable for various daily life activities; however; the increase in the angular velocity could lead to unintended deviations from a desired path. Future research could investigate PAPAW controllers that amplify the desired intentions of users while mitigating any unwanted behaviours.

Evaluation of Pediatric-Specific Wheelchair-Skills-Training Tools By Primary Users: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Background Children’s ability to engage in meaningful occupations is positively influenced by their ability to move independently. Preliminary evidence in children suggests that wheelchair skills training improves wheelchair skills, which are critical for wheelchair mobility. The Wheelchair Skills Training Program is a standardized program to teach wheelchair skills. However, it is underutilized in pediatric rehabilitation settings. To address perceived barriers to training, three pediatric-specific Wheelchair Skills Training Program tools for indoor skills were developed (i.e., a storybook, four instructional posters, and a workbook). This study aimed to document occupational therapists’ and pediatric manual wheelchair users’ satisfaction and perspectives on the usability, relevance, and feasibility of these tools. Method A descriptive qualitative research design was used. A focus group was conducted with occupational therapists and interviews were conducted pediatric manual wheelchair users to obtain their feedback on the tool prototypes to facilitate refinement and to ensure they meet users’ needs. Results Eight occupational therapists and five pediatric manual wheelchair users expressed general satisfaction with the tools, describing them as usable, relevant and feasible to integrate into wheelchair skills training with novice wheelchair users and younger children. All occupational therapists and three pediatric manual wheelchair users expressed the desire to use the tools for wheelchair skills training. Two children expressed that the tools were more relevant for beginner wheelchair users only. The participants suggested minor modifications to make the tools more accessible for children (e.g., more action in the story, increased precision of illustrations related to the characters’ position in the wheelchair). Conclusion Occupational therapists and pediatric manual wheelchair users perceived the tools to have high potential to facilitate the use of the Wheelchair Skills Training Program in pediatric rehabilitation settings. After making the recommended modifications, the tools will be ready for pilot testing in pediatric rehabilitation settings.

Impact of the TEAM Wheels eHealth manual wheelchair training program: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Variable, and typically inadequate, delivery of skills training following manual wheelchair (MWC) provision has a detrimental impact on user mobility and participation. Traditional in-person delivery of training by rehabilitation therapists has diminished due to cost, travel time, and most recently social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19. Effective alternative training approaches include eHealth home training applications and interactive peer-led training using experienced and proficient MWC users. An innovative TEAM Wheels program integrates app-based self-training and teleconference peer-led training using a computer tablet platform. Objective This protocol outlines implementation and evaluation of the TEAM Wheels training program in a randomized control trial using a wait-list control group. Setting The study will be implemented in a community setting in three Canadian cities. Participants Individuals ≥ 18 years of age within one year of transitioning to use of a MWC. Intervention Using a computer tablet, participants engage in three peer-led teleconference training sessions and 75–150 minutes of weekly practice using a video-based training application over 4 weeks. Peer trainers individualize the participants’ training plans and monitor their tablet-based training activity online. Control group participants also receive the intervention following a 1-month wait-list period and data collection. Measurements Outcomes assessing participation; skill capacity and performance; self-efficacy; mobility; and quality of life will be measured at baseline and post-treatment, and at 6-month follow-up for the treatment group. Impact statement We anticipate that TEAM Wheels will be successfully carried out at all sites and participants will demonstrate statistically significant improvement in the outcome measures compared with the control group.