Mechanical advantage in wheelchair lever propulsion : effect on physical strain and efficiency

摘要: In this experimental study on a prototype lever-propelled wheelchair, the effect of range mechanical advantages (MA) physical strain, oxygen uptake, energy cost, efficiency, stroke frequency and perceived exertion was examined. Nine out 10 male nonwheelchair users successfully performed five submaximal tests motor-driven treadmill in bi-manual asynchronous tricycle. Each test contained same protocol, but made use one different MAs. every inclination level increased by 1% third minute, starting 0% up to 3%. The velocity kept constant at 0.97 m.s-1. Variables measured included minute ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, frequency. Analysis for repeated measures conducted main factors slope MA their interaction. Additional analysis include multiple regression analysis. All statistics were with p < 0.05 significance. had significant (p 0.05) These results suggest that implementation MAs wheelchair may accommodate external conditions (slope, climatic, surface conditions, sports, recreational conditions) user groups more readily. This improve social radius action freedom mobility individuals confined wheelchairs.