Development and Usability of a Prototype Upper Extremities Lever-Driven Exercise System

The purpose of this paper is to present the design, construction, and technical aspects a prototype upper extremities lever-driven exercise system, called FIT-WHEEL (Functional Intelligent Training system for WHEELchair users), as well preliminary experimental measurements conducted test device’s usability in healthy individuals. was developed provide training modality that combines known benefits eccentric lever-propelled wheelchairs. Eleven male participants performed, seven days apart, moderate intensity concentric protocol on consisting 30 trials both at 30% peak force, respectively. At end each bout, completed number valid reliable instruments examining attitudes, intention enjoyment during or two protocols novel system. Statistical analyses revealed high scores all examined parameters (attitudes, intention, enjoyment, usability) protocols, without any significant differences emerging between them. Moreover, total mechanical work 18.3% higher compared performed (p = 0.001). results discussed serve an initial step implement wheelchair dependent populations future evaluate potential long-term limitations.