Abstract
Objective: To determine the extent to which loads added in different positions affect the static rear and forward stability of an occupied wheelchair. Design: Controlled, cross-over study. Intervention: Loads from 0 to 10kg (in 1-kg increments) were added to five positions: high rear (HR), low rear (LR, beneath the seat and behind the crossbrace), on the lap (LAP), low anterior (LA, beneath the seat and anterior to the cross-brace), and on the footrests (FR). We also used a computer model to evaluate the relationship between stability and load, with a range of loads (0 to 100kg, in 10-kg increments) beyond the loads that were practical to test empirically. Outcome Measure: On a tilting platform, we measured the static stability (in degrees) of a wheelchair occupied by an anthropomorphic test dummy (ATD). Results: The greatest increase in rear stability was with FR loads, changes of 64% and 227% for 10-kg and 100-kg loads, respectively. Only HR loads reduced rear stability, by 32% and 64%. The greatest increase in forward stability was with LR loads, by 13% and 92%. The greatest reduction in forward stability was with FR loads, by 10% and 149%. To minimize the effect of added loads on stability, the LAP and LA positions would be preferred. Conclusion: Added loads affect wheelchair stability as a function of the load magnitude. The extent and direction of the effect is profoundly influenced by load position.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 183-186 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
| Volume | 77 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 1996 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Acknowledgments: search Council of Canada the editorial assistance of This work was supported by the Medical Re-and by Transport Canada. We acknowledge Mr. Peter King.
Funding Information:
From the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabditation, Depanment of Medicine, Dalhousie University. and the Clmical Locomotor Funclion Laboratory. Nova Scotia Rehabiliturion Centre. Halifax. Nova Scotia. Canada. Submilted for publication May I, lW.5. Acceptrd in revised form Augusl 8. 1995. Supported by the Medical Research Council of Canada and Transport Canada. No commercial party having a direct or indirect interest in the subject maflcr of this article has conferred or will confer a benefit upon the authors or upon any organizilion wrh which the authors are astociarcd. Rcprim requests 10 R. Lee Kirby. MD, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehahlhrarwn. Dalhtwsir IJnivrrslty. c/o Nova Scotia Rehahililatmn Cenlre. I34 I Summer Srrec~. Halifax. N. S.. Canada. F33H 4K4. 0 I996 hy the American Congress of Rehabilitatmn Medicine and the Amerwan Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 0001-‘~~~3/“)6~702-~S01$1.00/0
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation