The influence of verbal training and visual feedback on manual wheelchair propulsion

Abstract

Verbal training may produce changes in push biomechanics of manual wheelchair users. Longer training periods may be needed to sustain propulsion changes. Findings from this study support other studies that have shown propulsion differences between people with tetraplegia and paraplegia. Propulsion training for populations with upper-extremity impairments warrants further study.

A systematic review: the influence of real time feedback on wheelchair propulsion biomechanics

“…The remainder of the studies employed a repeated measures design, assessing the change in propulsion biomechanics following intervention with respect to pre-intervention 'control' biomechanical results [13,[15][16][17].…”

“…Rice et al provided visual feedback during propulsion on a dynamometer and measured outcome during over ground propulsion [14]. DeGroot et al provided visual feedback during propulsion on an ergometer and measured outcome during both ergometer and over ground propulsion [16]. The remaining three studies provided both visual feedback and measured outcome during propulsion on an ergometer [15,17,18].…”

“…Four of the studies measured outcome during the intervention [13,15,17,18]. Three of the studies measured outcome immediately post intervention [13,14,16] and only one of the studies presented results from longer term (three months) follow up [14]. …”

“…The aim of the interventions reported was to decrease push rate. Three of the studies provided feedback on push rate and recorded it as an outcome measure [14][15][16] [16].…”

“…Richter investigated the influence of single variable visual feedback including braking moment, push rate, push arc, push force, push distance and smoothness [15]. DeGroot provided visual feedback on push rate, push arc and push force [16] and Kotajarvi provided visual feedback on FEF, propulsion velocity and power output [17].…”