Citation

Cooper RA, Dvorznak MJ, Connor TJ, Boninger ML, Jones DK. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 1998; 79(10): 1244-1249.

Affiliation

Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Systems PA 15206, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9779678

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of three electric-powered wheelchair braking conditions and four wheelchair seating conditions on electric-powered wheelchair motion and Hybrid II test dummy motion. This study provides quantitative information related to assessing the safety of electric-powered wheelchair driving. DESIGN: Rehabilitation engineering comparison and ANSI/ RESNA standards testing. Convenience sample of eight different electric-powered wheelchairs. Within-chair comparisons were conducted. INTERVENTION: Electric-powered wheelchairs were compared under three braking scenarios (joystick release, joystick reverse, power-off) and four seating conditions (seatbelt and legrests, seatbelt and no legrests, no seatbelt but legrests, no seatbelt and no legrests). SETTING: A rehabilitation engineering center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The braking distance, braking time, and braking accelerations for electric-powered wheelchairs during three braking scenarios; trunk motion, head motion, and trunk angular acceleration during three braking scenarios and four seating conditions; and number of falls from the wheelchairs for three braking scenarios and four seating conditions. RESULTS: Significant differences (p < .05) were found in braking distance, braking time, and braking acceleration when comparing the joystick release and joystick reverse scenarios with the power-off scenario. The mean braking distance was shortest with the power-off braking scenario (.89m), whereas it was longest when the joystick was released (1.66m). Significant differences (p < .05) in head displacement and trunk angular displacement were observed among braking conditions and between seating conditions. There were also significant differences (p = .0011) among braking conditions for maximum trunk angular acceleration. The Hybrid II test dummy fell from the wheelchairs with highest frequency when there were no legrests and no seatbelt used. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that use of a seatbelt when driving an electric-powered wheelchair reduces the risk of falling from a wheelchair. Furthermore, the use of legrests can reduce the risk of injury to the wheelchair driver. This study shows that the most abrupt braking occurs when deactivating the power switch.