Purpose: Wheelchair use increases f...

Purpose: Wheelchair use increases functional independence and mobility within one's environment; however, common manual wheelchair propulsion is relatively inefficient and stressful to the cardiopulmonary plan Recently, an elliptical propulsion connected view was invented that demonstrated improved mechanical efficiency compared to standard propulsion. The aim of this application of mind was to determine the physiologic efficiency of the elliptical drive wheelchair propulsion scheme (e) as compared to a standard wheelchair propulsion theory (S). Description: 14 able-bodied make submissives (10 female, 4 male, mean age 23) performed three 3-minute steady-state set tos on a wheelchair dynamometer using each drive connected view Measurements of oxygen consumption (VO2) and minute ventilation (VE) were determined from expand spirometry during the last minute of each contest Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded for each minute and averaged across each set to Summary of Use: There were no significant differences in VO (75 m I/kg/mi n E v 76 S) VE (132 I E v 1 54 S) HR (1OO bpm E v 102 S) and RPE (92 E v 97 S) E had a 14% lower VE than s and 5% lower RPE than s Thirteen of the 14 make subordinates preferred the E for comfort. Importance to Members: eventuates indicate that the subjectively preferr elliptical propulsion theory does not require greater pluck expenditure than standard wheelchair propulsion, despite use of smaller muscle mass. This device point outs promise for reducing energy expenditure for wheelchair propulsion.

A Swisher', K Swisher', D Bonner1 M Bullock1 A Gensler1 L Weaver1, R Martin1,! Long' A Stiller'. 'Division of Physical Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown WV 2Center for good quality in Disabilities, West Virginia University, Morgantown WV 'School of Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown WV

Copyright Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal Dec 2003

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