Development of an Ergonomic Wheelchair Pushrim
| Status: | Not yet recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Hospital, Orthopedic |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Orthopedics / Podiatry, Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 55 |
| Updated: | 3/1/2014 |
| Start Date: | February 2007 |
| Contact: | Michelle L Tolerico, MS |
| Email: | tolericom@herlpitt.org |
| Phone: | 412-365-4850 |
Development of an Ergonomic Manual Wheelchair Pushrim- Phase II
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of newly designed ergonomic manual
wheelchair handrims called the Natural-Fit and PalmRim. It is our hope that the design of
the handrims will help reduce upper extremity pain and injury, which is very common among
manual wheelchair users. The Natural-Fit handrim was designed to directly address the
shortcomings of standard handrims and to improve the standard-round tube handrims which were
designed over 50 years ago. The PalmRim was designed for individuals who have limited hand
function, making it difficult to grasp standard handrims.
wheelchair handrims called the Natural-Fit and PalmRim. It is our hope that the design of
the handrims will help reduce upper extremity pain and injury, which is very common among
manual wheelchair users. The Natural-Fit handrim was designed to directly address the
shortcomings of standard handrims and to improve the standard-round tube handrims which were
designed over 50 years ago. The PalmRim was designed for individuals who have limited hand
function, making it difficult to grasp standard handrims.
This research will have three parts.
The first part will include completing propulsion and braking tasks with the subject's
original handrims. After the initial testing, new handrims will be installed on the
subject's wheelchair and subjects will again be asked to complete another set of propulsion
and braking tasks. Subjects will also be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess wrist
and shoulder pain and undergo an examination of the condition of the palm of their hand.
For the second part of the study, subjects will be asked to participate in a 4-month trial
use period of the new handrims on their wheelchair.
In the third part of the study, subjects will complete the final set of propulsion and
braking tasks and complete a follow-up questionnaire.
The first part will include completing propulsion and braking tasks with the subject's
original handrims. After the initial testing, new handrims will be installed on the
subject's wheelchair and subjects will again be asked to complete another set of propulsion
and braking tasks. Subjects will also be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess wrist
and shoulder pain and undergo an examination of the condition of the palm of their hand.
For the second part of the study, subjects will be asked to participate in a 4-month trial
use period of the new handrims on their wheelchair.
In the third part of the study, subjects will complete the final set of propulsion and
braking tasks and complete a follow-up questionnaire.
Natural-Fit
Inclusion Criteria:
- Use of a manual wheelchair as a primary means of mobility (over 40 hours per week)
- Use a standard handrim
- Between the ages of 18 and 55
- Has normal hand function
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pressure Sores
PalmRim
Inclusion Criteria:
- Use of a manual wheelchair as a primary means of mobility (over 40 hours per week)
- Use a vinyl-coated handrim
- Between ages 18 and 55
- Has impaired hand function
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pressure sores
We found this trial at
1
site
Click here to add this to my saved trials
