Effects of ramp slope on usability when a wheelchair is propelled by attendant

Abstract

Many wheelchair users are accompanied by an attendant, but most prior studies did not consider this fact. This study investigated effects of ramp slope on wheelchair velocity and subjective discomfort considering both the wheelchair occupant and the attendant while ascending with the occupant facing forward, descending with the occupant facing forward, and descending with the occupant facing backward. Forty (20 male, 20 female) participants were dividing into four groups: male – male (attendant – occupant), male – female, female – male, female – female. To evaluate the usability of the ramp, analysis considered the four levels of user group and five levels of the ramp slope (1:6, 1:8, 1:10, 1:12 and 1:14) as independent variables, and mean wheelchair velocity, attendants’ physical discomfort, and occupants’ psychological anxiety as dependent variables. Considering the opinions of both the attendant and the occupant, 1:12 was recommended as the appropriate ramp slope. Furthermore, when descending a ramp, the occupant should be able to look forward.

Extending assistive devices: using the existing interface versus using a new interface

“…Given the proliferation of assistive devices [15,16] such as wheelchairs and the need to extend them for special cases such as maneuverability over rough terrain or over obstacles such as stairs and steep inclines [18], the current research has examined whether the interface of the extender attached to an assistive device should be identical to the interface of the assistive device or should be a new separate design with its own features. We have simulated operating a carrying platform for a wheelchair that is larger the wheelchair and have examined whether participants in operating the wheelchair and asked to operate the carrying platform will perform better or worse using the wheelchair's interface compared to using the carrying platform's interface.…”

“…For the purposes of our research, we have focused on wheelchairs. Wheelchairs have maneuverability problems traversing rough terrain such as sandy, rocky or snowy ground or obstacles, e.g., stairs or even steep inclines [18]. To overcome such challenges, Weiss et al [29] have designed a system that carries the user's regular wheelchair over obstacles while seated in their original wheelchair.…”