LOOK MUMMY, NO HANDS! THE EFFECT OF TRUNK MOTION ON FORWARD WHEELCHAIR PROPULSION

Authors

Marit P. van Dijk, Delft University of TechnologyFollow
Rienk M. A. van der Slikke, Delft University of TechnologyFollow
Monique A.M. Berger, The Hague University of Applied SciencesFollow
Marco J.M. Hoozemans, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamFollow
DirkJan H.E.J. Veeger, Delft University of TechnologyFollow

Category

Paralympics

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

Wheelchair and trunk-mounted IMUs provide a powerful and easy to use method for measuring wheelchair mobility performance. Yet, to develop more specific outcome measures, additional equipment can aid in gaining more insight. A new pushrim hit detection (RhIDE) method was used to investigate forward propulsion measured by frame acceleration in push and recovery phase. Four subjects sprinted at different intensities, while wheelchair velocity, acceleration, trunk movement and push phases were measured. Results show that 25-30% of the total forward propulsion per push (61 to 91 N∙s) was performed after hand release. This explorative study shows the significance of propulsion due to trunk movement in the recovery phase. Future research with this measurement setup and daily wheelchair users could help unravel the true share of trunk motion in forward propulsion, and its timing.

Recommended Citation

van Dijk, Marit P.; van der Slikke, Rienk M. A.; Berger, Monique A.M.; Hoozemans, Marco J.M.; and Veeger, DirkJan H.E.J. (2021) "LOOK MUMMY, NO HANDS! THE EFFECT OF TRUNK MOTION ON FORWARD WHEELCHAIR PROPULSION," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 39: Iss. 1, Article 80.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol39/iss1/80