Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
There are many ways to propel a wheelchair, including four main propulsion patterns. However, there are no definitive criteria for a “correct” form. This study investigated differences in wheelchair propulsion between experienced and inexperienced wheelchair users to determine any differences in propulsion patterns, joint kinematics, or speed between the two groups, indicating what contributes to a more mature form. Subjects were recorded pushing a wheelchair for twenty feet, then each video was analyzed using Kinovea, a software for tracking body movements. There will be differences in the propulsion patterns between the two groups, and inexperienced users will push more frequently with a smaller contact angle. These differences point towards a generic form that manual wheelchair users push with, which can be used to teach new manual wheelchair users how to properly push their wheelchair while making fewer errors during the learning process.
Disciplines
Disability Studies | Physical Therapy | Sports Sciences
Publication Date
12-1-2024
Language
English
Faculty Mentor of Honors Project
Tyler Garner
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Ginter, Alexander J., "PROPULSION PATTERNS AND JOINT KINEMATICS IN EXPERIENCED AND INEXPERIENCED WHEELCHAIR USERS" (2024). 2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects. 15.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_fall2024/15