Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

54ResultsImplicationsStatusReferencesInternal trials and testing of the MDLs identified inaccuracies in the data collection and theunits are currently being redesigned in the US. When the new MDLs have been received theywill be validated for accuracy and reliability prior to starting a clinical trial in the field. Finalethical clearance for the project was granted in May 2005.This project will provide a better understanding of wheelchair usage and typical ‘patternedbehaviour’ of paediatric wheelchair users. The study will reveal actual activity levels, whichare an indication of how much an individual is actually using their chair. This informationcould help to identify the type of chair that is better suited to a particular population(lightweight versus ultra-lightweight) given an understanding of the individual’s level ofparticipation and functional level.OngoingSpaeth DM, Cooper RA, Albright S, Ammer W and Puhlman J, Development of a miniature data logger for collectingoutcome measures for wheeled mobility. Proceedings 27th Annual RESNA Conference, Orlando, FL, 2004Cooper R, Cooper RA, Ding D, Hoover AE, Dvorznak M, Fitzgerald SG, et al. Wheelchair usage pattern: Does agematter? Proceedings 27th Annual RESNA Conference, Orlando, FL, 2004Project titleContributorsSummaryMethodDevelopment of a test instrument to determine the maximum speed, accelerationand deceleration of electric wheelchairsBen Symonds, Alex SvistounovThe NovitaTech engineering department manages an independently accredited testinglaboratory that undertakes Standards testing of rehabilitation equipment. ISO 7176-6Wheelchairs - determination of maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration of electricwheelchairs is an International Standard that provides a detailed procedure for testingand recording the speed and acceleration of electric wheelchairs, including the details ofthe accuracy and resolution of the instrument used to measure these parameters. Thesespecific requirements required the development of a purpose built instrument that theEngineering Test Laboratory could utilise for testing to this standard. Thus in collaborationwith the Research and Development department the required instrument was developed andconstructed.Acceleration measurements were obtained using an accelerometer (similar to those usedin automotive airbags) and a micro-controller that captured and recorded the accelerationdata on a standard SD memory card (the same as those used in most digital cameras).The system obtained and logged acceleration values over time whilst the wheelchair wasoperated through a test regime. The data was then uploaded to a computer and analysed bysoftware to derive the required acceleration information. Data relating to the velocity of thewheelchair was then derived mathematically.All hardware and software was carefully specified in order to comply with the Standardrequirements and calibrated against calibrated reference instruments and equipment in thelaboratory.