Multi-speed Ergonomic Wheelchair

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Mar 8, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new type of manual wheelchair designed to make it easier and more comfortable for users to move around. Many people who use manual wheelchairs often experience shoulder pain because they rely heavily on their arms to propel themselves. This study is testing a wheelchair with adjustable hand rims and different gear options that can help reduce this pain. The new design includes a low gear for starting off, going uphill, or moving over soft surfaces like carpet, and a higher gear for easy movement on flat, hard ground. The goal is to improve the overall experience for manual wheelchair users and help them maintain their independence.

To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years old and use a manual wheelchair daily. You should weigh less than 125 kg and be able to understand the study procedures and give your consent. However, if you have certain conditions like recent surgeries, upper body injuries, or specific medical issues, you may not be eligible to join. Participants will have the opportunity to test the new wheelchair design and provide feedback, which could lead to better options for future wheelchair users.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Inclusion criteria:
• • Uses manual wheelchair daily
• • Mass less than 125 kg
• • Age 18 or older
• • Decisional competency to provide consent and cognitive ability to participate fully in study procedures
• • Body size appropriate to fit the wheelchairs (16" and 18" seat widths)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Sitting surface pressure injuries
• • Flap procedure to address pressure injury less than one year earlier
• • Unable to obtain clinically acceptable seating system for study wheelchairs
• • Not able to propel a manual wheelchair
• • Upper extremity or spine issues which would make this study unsafe, such as recent surgeries, fractures, tendon tears or nerve impingement (will be assessed by SCI physician - Dr. Byron Eddy)
• • Medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or other conditions that would make the study procedures unsafe (will be assessed by SCI physician - Dr. Byron Eddy)