Title: A quasi-static 3D model of wheelchair propulsion

Authors: Isam Hilal; Philippe Pudlo

Addresses: Université Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, France; LAMIH, CNRS UMR 8201, F-59313, Valenciennes, France ' Université Lille Nord de France, F-59000 Lille, France; LAMIH, CNRS UMR 8201, F-59313, Valenciennes, France

Abstract: The use of theoretical models is an alternative for studying the configuration of manual wheelchairs. Richter and Morrow proposed one of the theoretical models used to study propulsion in manual wheelchairs. However this analytical model is limited to use in the sagittal plane. This article presents a quasi-static 3D model that could examine wheelchair propulsion and provide performance analysis during 3D motion. The 3D model takes into account parameters such as axial forces on the hand, the lateral distance between the shoulder joint and the centre of the axis of the propulsion wheel and the angles of inclination of the propulsion wheel (camber angle). The results obtained using our 3D model of wheelchair propulsion show the influences of the lateral distance between the shoulder joint and the axis of the propulsion wheel as well as the effects of the camber angle in the shoulder and elbow joints.

Keywords: wheelchair propulsion; biomechanics; quasi-static models; propulsion modelling; human arm kinematics; analytical algorithms; 3D modelling; manual wheelchairs; performance evaluation; axial forces; hands; centre of axis; angle of inclination; lateral distance; propulsion wheel; camber angle; shoulder joints; elbow joints.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHFMS.2015.075361

International Journal of Human Factors Modelling and Simulation, 2015 Vol.5 No.2, pp.136 - 163

Received: 08 Jan 2015
Accepted: 14 Nov 2015
Published online: 16 Mar 2016 *

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