Exploration of wheelchair propulsion biomechanics in straightforward propulsion, turning manoeuvres and obstacle crossing: The impacts of sex, age and training
type: CreativeWork
description: A high incidence of injury in wheelchair dependent populations relates to a low mechanical efficiency and a high mechanical load of wheelchair propulsion. The user-related elements such as sex and age as well as training consequences were believed to be main determinants of wheelchair propulsion efficiency and performance. The aim of the present work sought to determine the impact of user-related components on straightforward and more complex wheelchair propulsion tasks, e.g. turning and obstacle crossing, in novice able-bodied users. The thesis consists of 4 parts 9 chapters. The first part introduces the topic in the form of an introduction (chapter 1) and a literature review (chapter 2), followed by six experimental studies and general discussion in the final chapter. A hundred able-bodied participants partook in different studies of the thesis. The first three experimental studies (chapter 3 – 6) were focused on the straightforward wheelchair propulsion. More complex wheelchair propulsions were explored from chapter 6 to 8. The analysis of asynchronous turns in three phases: approach, turning and depart phase, and compared to straightforward wheelchair propulsion was a novel approach and included in chapter 6 – 8. These chapters offer theoretical insight in human movements and provide detailed biomechanical information during turning manoeuvres. The sex differences in propulsion efficiency and characteristics (push speed, frequency, angle and force application) exist in the younger and older group regardless of the complexity of propulsion tasks, ranging from straightforward wheelchair propulsion (chapter 3) to turning manoeuvres and obstacle crossing (chapter 7). The differences between men and women, aged 20 – 85 years, were more pronounced with age. Timing parameter changes and propulsion efficiency decline with age were present in straightforward wheelchair propulsion and more clearly expressed in more complex wheelchair propulsion, in particular obstacle cr…
abstract: A high incidence of injury in wheelchair dependent populations relates to a low mechanical efficiency and a high mechanical load of wheelchair propulsion. The user-related elements such as sex and age as well as training consequences were believed to be main determinants of wheelchair propulsion efficiency and performance. The aim of the present work sought to determine the impact of user-related components on straightforward and more complex wheelchair propulsion tasks, e.g. turning and obstacle crossing, in novice able-bodied users. The thesis consists of 4 parts 9 chapters. The first part introduces the topic in the form of an introduction (chapter 1) and a literature review (chapter 2), followed by six experimental studies and general discussion in the final chapter. A hundred able-bodied participants partook in different studies of the thesis. The first three experimental studies (chapter 3 – 6) were focused on the straightforward wheelchair propulsion. More complex wheelchair propulsions were explored from chapter 6 to 8. The analysis of asynchronous turns in three phases: approach, turning and depart phase, and compared to straightforward wheelchair propulsion was a novel approach and included in chapter 6 – 8. These chapters offer theoretical insight in human movements and provide detailed biomechanical information during turning manoeuvres. The sex differences in propulsion efficiency and characteristics (push speed, frequency, angle and force application) exist in the younger and older group regardless of the complexity of propulsion tasks, ranging from straightforward wheelchair propulsion (chapter 3) to turning manoeuvres and obstacle crossing (chapter 7). The differences between men and women, aged 20 – 85 years, were more pronounced with age. Timing parameter changes and propulsion efficiency decline with age were present in straightforward wheelchair propulsion and more clearly expressed in more complex wheelchair propulsion, in particular obstacle cr…
author: Chaikhot, Dhissanuvach
language: en
keywords: GV557 Sport, QP Physiology, RZ Other systems of medicine
date published: 2019-09
date modified: 2026-07-24T02:18:29Z
provider: University of Essex
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Essex