Effects of Incremental Changes to Frame Mass on Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Cost

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the effects small, incremental additions wheelchair frame mass (0 kg, +2 and +4 kg) on mechanical propulsion characteristics in both straight curvilinear maneuvers. A robotic system used propel a manual over smooth tiled surface following rectilinear (“Straight”) (“Slalom”) trajectories. Three unique loading conditions were tested. Propulsion costs rolling resistance estimations empirically collected using tester. cost values equivalent across all Slalom trajectory. In Straight trajectory, adding 2 kg axle had unloaded configuration. Adding 4 comparable, but not equivalent, configuration with small (≤4.1%) increases cost. This demonstrates that (0–4 changes have no meaningful impacts system. Differences detectable contextually insignificant.