Wheelchair vibration: origin, implications and reduction for manual wheelchairs

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The objective of this proposal is to understand and reduce the vibrations and that occur  during propulsionwhich cause pain/spasms in manual wheelchair users. We plan to study three aspects of wheelchair vibrationover the next 5 years.In the first goal, we will work at exploring what areas on the wheelchair contribute to dampen vibration. More individuals are using rigid frame designed wheelchairs made from titanium or aluminium that are developed to be lighter, more durable and more efficient. The rigid frame versus the folding frame allows for more of the propulsion effort from the wheelchair user to be transmitted to the wheel and forward movement. IF there is vibration within this system, then this design, too, may transmit vibration more easily through the chair at adifferent frequency than with a folding frame. Using accelerometers mounted to the frame and foot rest andbite bar, we can measure the different effects wheelchair design has on vibration transmission.In the second goal we will explore the relationship between vibration during wheelchair propulsion and themuscle response in spinal cord injured subjects who experience spasms. Using electromyography techniqueswe will measure the neuromuscular response during various vibration frequencies and magnitudes recordingwhat type of vibration elicits the greatest response as well as record what the individual is subjectivelyexperience for pain. This will then give us an idea of what vibration frequency need to be dampened.Our third goal is to break down each component of the wheelchair to examine at what level vibrationdampening is possible without compromising the integrity of the wheelchair frame. Knowing what vibrationlevels are most challenging for the individuals with SCI, we can develop dampening systems to target thatrange.