Analyzing Intra-Cycle Velocity Profile and Trunk Inclination during Wheelchair Racing Propulsion

Abstract

The analysis of intra-cycle velocity profile of manual wheelchair (MWC) users has been used to highlight the significant role of trunk inertia in propulsion biomechanics. Maximal wheelchair linear velocity has previously been observed to be reached after the release of the handrims both during sports activities and daily life propulsion. This paper provides a combined analysis of linear velocity and trunk kinematics in elite wheelchair racing athletes during straight-line propulsion at stabilized speeds. MWC and trunk kinematics of eight athletes (level: 7 elite, 1 intermediate; classification: T54 (5), T53 (2) and T52 (1)) were monitored during 400 m races using inertial measurement units. An average propulsion cycle was computed for each athlete. The main finding of this article is the difference in propulsion patterns among the athletes, exhibiting either 1, 2 or 3 peaks in their velocity profile. A second peak in velocity is usually assumed to be caused by the inertia of the trunk. However, the presence of a second velocity peak among more severely impaired athletes with little to no trunk motion can either be associated to the inertia of the athletes’ arms or to their propulsion technique.

The Effect of Arm Movements on the Dynamics of the Wheelchair Frame during Manual Wheelchair Actuation and Propulsion

“…Given these results, we agree with the assumptions of Basteris et al [15], who found that the fluctuating speed during the push phase and particularly the decelerations are associated with inefficient coupling of the hand and pushrim. The temporary upward spike seen in the velocity profile in Figure 7 (arrow in Figure 7b) was also reported by Poulet et al [3].…”

“…Similarly, van Dijk et al [2] found that 25-30% of the total forward propulsive impulse per push due to trunk motion was performed in the recovery phase after hand release. Poulet et al [3] reported that "a second peak in velocity is usually assumed to be caused by the inertia of the trunk". Furthermore, Poulet et al [3] assumed that "the presence of a second velocity peak .…”

“…Poulet et al [3] reported that "a second peak in velocity is usually assumed to be caused by the inertia of the trunk". Furthermore, Poulet et al [3] assumed that "the presence of a second velocity peak . .…”

Impact of floor covering on wheelchair rugby players: analysis of rolling performance

“…The linear displacement velocities for each rear wheel were calculated from the angular velocity recorded by the non-slip inertial measurement unit and the wheel radius ( 16 ). The data collected by the IMUs were processed using a specific script involving calculation of the average of all variables for the left and right wheels for each push.…”

Tracking the whole-body centre of mass of humans seated in a wheelchair using motion capture

“…Modelling these inertial forces was shown to better predict wheelchair speed than based on propulsion moments alone, in a study with 19 experienced manual wheelchair users who propelled a wheelchair on the ground (Chénier et al, 2016). This phenomenon has also been observed in wheelchair racing (Moss et al, 2005;Poulet et al, 2022).…”