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Analysis of Whole-Body Vibration During Manual Wheelchair Propulsion: A Comparison of Seat Cushions and Back Supports for Individuals Without a Disability

By DiGiovine, Carmen P., PhD; Cooper, Rory A., PhD; Wolf, Erik, MS; Fitzgerald, Shirley G., PhD; Boninger, Michael L, MD; Assistive Technology, Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 129-144
Publication Date: Winter 2003

Study conducted to determine if selected seat cushions and back supports minimize the transmission of vibrations during manual wheelchair propulsion. Ten unimpaired participants traversed an activities of daily living course during the study. The testing was performed using two manual wheelchairs, four different seat cushions, and four different back supports. The two wheelchairs were (1) the Invacare Action Xtra wheelchair, which is an ultra-light folding wheelchair, and (2) the Quickie Breezy wheelchair, which is a lightweight folding wheelchair. The seat cushions were: (1) the Invacare/Pin-Dot Comfort-Mate, which is a polyurethane foam seat cushion with minimal contouring, (2) the Varilite Solo, which is a combination foam and air cushion, (3) the Sunrise Medical/Jay Active, which has a foam base with mild contouring, and (4) the ROHO Low-Profile, with is an air/fluid cushion with interconnected cells. The back supports were: (1) the wheelchair manufacturer’s standard nylon sling back, (2) the Invacare Pin-Dot PaxBac, which is a supplemental foam attachment (3) the Sunrise Medical/Jay Active Back, which is a foam back support and (4) the Varilite FastBack, which is a combination foam and air seat cushion. Vibrations were measured using triaxial accelerometers. Quantitative results are presented, which the authors believe have the potential to influence future designs for seating professionals.

Assistive Products Discussed: SOLO
FASTBACK
INVACARE COMFORT-MATE EXTRA CUSHION AND BASE
PAXBAC
JAY ACTIVE BACK (MODELS 520, 522, 525, 527 & 528)
JAY ACTIVE CUSHION
ROHO LOW PROFILE DRY FLOATATION CUSHION
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)   (Website:http://www.resna.org)

This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J47478
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