A Study to Compare the Physiological Cost Index of Wheelchair Propulsion at two different Elbow Positions in Healthy Individuals

Wheelchair propulsion with optimal physical performance and at lowest energy cost is one of the important aspects which need to be considered during wheelchair skill training. Difference in wheelchair-seat configuration will affect ergonomic requirement of wheel chair locomotion which will in turn affect load imposed on cardio respiratory system. So purpose of this study was to compare energy expenditure of wheel chair propulsion at two different elbow positions.

A 5 minute wheelchair propulsion test was conducted among 50 healthy male individuals at 60 and 100 degrees of elbow flexion adjusted by changing wheelchair seat configuration. Physiological cost index and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of wheelchair propulsion was measured for both positions and compared for statistical difference.

Mean Physiological cost indexes of wheel chair locomotion at 60 and 100 degrees of elbow flexion were 0.9 and 0.12 respectively with significantly lower physiological cost index (p<0.01) at 100 degrees of elbow flexion. The distance covered during elbow position of 100 degree flexion was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that with 60 degree flexion. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was not significantly different for both positions. (p>0.05)

Wheelchair seat configuration with 100 degrees of elbow flexion is optimal for physical performance and is energy efficient compared to that of 60 degrees of elbow flexion.