Design and Testing of a Prototype Wheelchair-Integrated, Five-Point Occupant Restraint System for Children Who Remain Seated in Wheelchairs When Traveling in Motor Vehicles
By Manary, Miriam A.; Whalen, Jennifer M.; Ritchie, Nichole L.; Schneider, Lawrence W.; RESNA 29th International Annual Conference 2006,Publication Date: 2006
Study conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a five-point, wheelchair-integrated harness for children using pediatric wheelchairs, which was proposed as a safety requirement in the American Standards Institute/Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (ANSI/RESNA) protocol. The system was evaluated via frontal impact test with a crash test dummy. Two pediatric wheelchairs were evaluated, as the first did not effectively restrain the test dummy due to a failure of the wheelchair seatback canes. The second, however, had a reinforced frame and met all performance criteria. The authors contend that wheelchair-integrated five-point harnesses have the potential to improve occupant protection for small children in wheelchairs. This study was conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
