# Laboratory Assessment of Manual Wheelchair Propulsion
###### Abstract  
Self-propelled manual wheelchairs offer several advantages over electric wheelchairs, including promoting physical activity and requiring less maintenance due to their simple design. While theoretical analyses provide valuable insights, laboratory testing remains the most reliable method for evaluating and improving the efficiency of manual wheelchair drives. This article reviews and analyzes the laboratory methods for assessing the efficiency of wheelchair propulsion documented in the scientific literature: (1) A wheelchair dynamometer that replicates real-world driving scenarios, quantifies the wheelchair's motion characteristics, and evaluates the physical exertion required for propulsion. (2) Simultaneous measurements of body position, motion, and upper limb EMG data to analyze biomechanics. (3) A method for determining the wheelchair's trajectory based on data from the dynamometer. (4) Measurements of the dynamic center of mass (COM) of the human-wheelchair system to assess stability and efficiency; and (5) data analysis techniques for parameterizing large datasets and determining the COM. The key takeaways include the following: (1) manual wheelchairs offer benefits over electric ones but require customization to suit individual user biomechanics; (2) the necessity of laboratory-based ergometer testing for optimizing propulsion efficiency and safety; (3) the feasibility of replicating real-world driving scenarios in laboratory settings; and (4) the importance of efficient data analysis techniques for interpreting biomechanical studies. ep 2024 13 November 2024 18 November  
employ electrically powered wheelchairs only for traversing challenging terrain or covering longer distances [4]. A characteristic group of wheelchair users comprises individuals who cannot walk independently but have partially or fully functional upper limbs. These individuals lead active and independent lifestyles, relying on manual wheelchairs for mobility in various aspects of their lives, both indoors and outdoors. Compared to their electrically powered counterparts, manual wheelchairs offer several advantages, including increased physical activity, more compact dimensions for easier maneuverability indoors and on public transportation, and superior reliability and durability due to their simplified design [5]. Each wheelchair consists of a body support system and a drive system. In a manual wheelchair, the main components of the body support system are a seat with a cushion, a backrest, side guards, and a footrest with additional leg support components. The drive system usually consists of two rear wheels with push-rims, two front self-aligning wheels, and parking brakes. These two systems are marked with different colors and shown in Figure 1.  
[PERSON], [PERSON], and [PERSON] [6] reviewed factors influencing wheelchair users' involvement in social and community activities. Although the cited article focuses primarily on participation and does not address the efficiency of wheelchair propulsion, the authors concluded that the physical effort required to propel a wheelchair is related to the level of participation. If wheelchair propulsion requires excessive physical effort or causes discomfort, users participate in social activities less frequently to avoid further strain. This highlights the importance of continuous improvements in manual wheelchair drive systems. Factors related to the user, the design of the wheelchair, and environmental factors impact the manual wheelchair's drive system efficiency. Individual physical limitations and functional abilities are pivotal wheelchair user-related factors. The muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and medical conditions affecting these characteristics affect the propelling of a manual wheelchair. The range of motion on the push-rim [7], propulsion technique [8], including the position of the hands on the wheelchair's push-rims [9], the angle of the push, and the push frequency [10] influence the effectiveness of the wheelchair's motion.