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Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 1981, 5
165
Mediziiiisch-Orthopadische-Technik, 5/81
A. W. Gentner Publishers, Stuttgart
Experiences with hand-operated, folding
wheelchairs in a spinal cord injury centre
Von A. Witzenrath
Abstract
The construction of seatback, arm and leg-rests,
wheels and brakes in folding indoor wheelchairs
with hand rims are discussed. Based on practical
experience in a spinal cord injury centre, some
improvements are suggested here. A special
chart would be useful in individual wheelchair
prescription.
The influence of technical wheelchair
specifications upon the energy consumption of the
wheelchair driver
Von P. Engel and W. Heme
Abstract
For comparative studies of different technical
influences (tyre air pressure, wheelchair weight
and design) on work load and physical strain
measurements of spiroergometric data and heart
frequency were performed on ten non-disabled
wheelchair test drivers during active wheelchair
propelling on a treadmill ergometer with 2 km/
hrs speed at different gradient slopes (0-3
degrees). Too little tyre air pressure (0.5 bar)
resulted, as expected, in significantly higher
physical strain at all tested steps of work load
than driving with 3.0 bar tyre pressure.
wheelchair of 3.6 kg more weight than normal by
imposing a solid seat and back, increases energy
consumption and heartbeat only when
propelling at 2-3 degrees inclination. In
comparison to the standard model of nearly the
same weight driving a sportive wheelchair model
led to little reduction of physical strain. The
results indicate that even minor technical
variations in wheelchairs can be identified by
physiological measurements, which can be used
for evaluation of technical developments.
A
Suggestions for improving hand-propelled
wheelchairs
Von H. Klosner, K. Seeliger und K.-L. Tondera
Abstract
After presentation of the actual state of
wheelchair design possible improvements are
evaluated with regard to:
— seating by solid cushioned seat, back, and
adjustable footrests
— diminishing friction and replacing the
handrim by a hand driven lever to a central
gearbox with integrated brakes
— easier transportation by diminishing the
volume when folded, easier folding and less
weight due to design and lightweight material
— cosmetics and acceptance of better design,
making it less conspicuous and by
interchangeable seat-covers.
These improvements may not deteriorate the
features of the wheelchair.
Ergometric evaluation of wheelchairs with
handrim propulsion
Von W. Lesser
Abstract
Wheelchair drivers were tested under different
stress conditions with regard to pulse rate,
increase of muscle activity and maximum driving
time. Reasons for the low grade efficiency of
wheelchair are discussed.
A new wheelchair concept
Von B. E. Biirdek
Abstract
For more than 30 years there was practically no
development in the field of wheelchairs in West
Germany.
This project shows a comprehensive design
approach, technical and functional aspects,
problems of handling, ergonomical and
aesthetical aspects have been considered and
transferred to versatile solutions.