Space Requirements for Wheeled Mobility - University at Buffalo ...
Space Requirements for Wheeled Mobility - University at Buffalo ...
Space Requirements for Wheeled Mobility - University at Buffalo ...
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more susceptible to tipping, and those with front-wheel drive off both a tightturning radius and stability, although are more difficult to control during straighttravel.• There is a gre<strong>at</strong> variety in power wheelchair configur<strong>at</strong>ions since the se<strong>at</strong>ingsystems of one manufacturer can be used with the frames of anothermanufacturer to customize the chair to the needs of the user.• Because pressures sores and pain are problems associ<strong>at</strong>ed with conventionalchair designs, chairs th<strong>at</strong> provide gre<strong>at</strong>er postural adjustability may bebeneficial to users but these chairs increase the variability of spacerequirements <strong>for</strong> different tasks.• Scooters and powered wheelchairs are going to become increasing similar asef<strong>for</strong>ts are made to make powered wheelchairs more transportable andmodular.• Even the most advanced wheeled mobility systems have important limit<strong>at</strong>ionswith respect to their use in the built environment. For example, theIndependence 3000 IBOT Transporter uses a variety of electronic sensors toadjust maneuverability, stability and function to the terrain, but currently has ase<strong>at</strong> surface too high to be used easily <strong>at</strong> work surfaces <strong>at</strong> conventionalheights.• Given th<strong>at</strong> the number of individuals in nursing homes is expected to double inthe next 30 years, the use of wheeled mobility technologies th<strong>at</strong> improvefunction of older people in these environments is an important priority.• Market trends suggest th<strong>at</strong> the space requirements <strong>for</strong> wheeled mobility willincrease. For example, the market <strong>for</strong> both manual and powered bari<strong>at</strong>ricchairs is expected to grow the most rapidly of all chair c<strong>at</strong>egories, and markets<strong>for</strong> “PAPAW” chairs and specialized se<strong>at</strong>ing in chairs, although now small, isexpected to also grow rapidly.• Labor<strong>at</strong>ory-based d<strong>at</strong>a collection on function as per<strong>for</strong>med in conventionalanthropometric studies may not reflect function in actual commercial, public orresidential environments. There<strong>for</strong>e, other types of studies designed toevalu<strong>at</strong>e the space requirements of wheeled mobility devices are needed.• Further research should focus on reducing risks to secondary conditionsassoci<strong>at</strong>ed with wheeled mobility device use, determining utiliz<strong>at</strong>ion r<strong>at</strong>es ofwheelchairs in different settings, and new mobility aid technologies toaccommod<strong>at</strong>e a gre<strong>at</strong>er range of individuals who need assistance such as theelderly, people who are obese and those who have multiple sclerosis.Research focused on improving safety during a wide range of functionalactivities is also needed.<strong>Space</strong> <strong>Requirements</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Wheeled</strong> <strong>Mobility</strong> 24
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