A Modal Reciprocating Pushrim Drive Wheelchair Phase II

Principal Investigator: Michael Boninger, MD;

Co-Investigators: Rory Cooper, PhD; Bradley Impink, BSE; Annmarie Kelleher, OTR/L; Rosemarie Cooper, MPT; Toru Furui, PhD; Erica Authier, BS

2005-2008

Funding Source: NIH-SBIR

Despite many applicable developments in the field of ergonomically improved manual drive wheelchairs, the standard fixed pushrim remains the most prevalent method of propulsion. These fixed pushrim drives, while inexpensive and intuitively simple to operate, contribute to several common repetitive motion injuries. The objective of this project is to develop an alternative wheelchair propulsion system that utilizes a pushrim of improved kinematics. The improved kinematic design will allow a reduction in push strokes for a given distance traveled. Additionally, it will allow the user the option of achieving and retaining a preferred handgrip on the pushrim, while retaining traditional pushrim operation for fine control. Two focus groups containing rehabilitation professionals and manual wheelchair users have been conducted to demonstrate the new pushrim drive system that has been developed. These focus groups provided feedback from end users. Wheelchair standards testing on the device has been completed to ensure the device meets performance and safety criteria. The final portion of the project which involves a comparison of the Modal Reciprocating Pushrim Drive (MRPD) Wheelchair to a standard pushrim propelled wheelchair to determine its efficiency is in progress. We are conducting biomechanical and physiological testing to determine if while using the MRPD wheelchair individuals use less oxygen, propel at a slower cadence and report using significantly less exertion.