Credits: .1 CEU
Authors: Deborah L. Pucci, PT, MPT, Curt Prewitt, MS, PT, ATP
Sponsored by: Etac/Ki Mobility
There are many firmly held opinions about how can we make it easier for a rider to propel their manual wheelchair. As ATPs and clinicians, we must have the expertise to make this happen for the riders we work with. We must understand how a wheelchair works as a machine, and we must understand what factors affect how well it will work for an individual. Guided by an understanding of foundational science and research evidence, we can make appropriate decisions to optimize propulsion efficiency while meeting the user’s needs for support, stability, and function.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify two critical factors of manual wheelchair setup and component selection that can significantly influence propulsion efficiency.
- Identify which type of tire is best to select to enhance propulsion efficiency.
- Describe the influence of having mass at a distance from the axis of rotation of a manual wheelchair during turning maneuvers, such as turning to the left or the right.
