Manual Wheelchair Propulsion and Joint Power Transmission Efficiency for Diagnosis of Upper-Limb Overuse

Abstract

This research paper proposed the measurement and calculation of upper-limb joint power transmission efficiency derived from propulsion efficiency and upper limb joint power efficiency during manual wheelchair propulsion. Portable measurement system was used to collect propulsion force at the push rim and inertia of each upper-limb segment (dominant limb). The relationship between upper-limb joint power transmission efficiency and the overuse of upper limbs was established on the manual wheelchair propulsion experiments in experienced, inexperienced and joint problem recovery users riding on level and slope paths. The data collected by using portable instruments were validated by that collected by using motion analysis system. The diagnosis of upper-limb overuse signifies the highest risks in inexperienced wheelchair riding group. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.