Advances in Manual Wheelchair Technology
By DiGiovine, Carmen P.; Koontz, Alicia M.; Boninger, Michael L.; Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, Vol. 11, No. 4, pp. 1-14Publication Date: 2006
Article provides an overview of advances in manual wheelchair technology. Advances in the following components are discussed: (1) frame technology, (2) wheel and pushrim technology, (3) casters and forks, and (4) clinical tools. New materials traditionally utilized in the aeronautics and sports industries such as aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber have led to lighter yet durable frame designs, while carbon fiber and magnesium designs have led to decreased weight and vibrations in wheelchair wheels. Ergonomically designed handrims have been designed to reduce friction and conserve energy, while casters and forks have been improved to decrease the transmission of shocks and vibrations. High-tech clinical tools such as SMARTWheels from Three Rivers Holdings can be used to collect data on measures such as distance, speed, time, and force for wheelchair selection, funding justification, propulsion training, and normative data collection. Recommendations for optimal manual wheelchair setup are included.
Assistive Products Discussed: SMARTWHEEL
Published by: Thomas Land Publishers, Inc. (Website:http://www.thomasland.com)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J50436
