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. 2017 Spring;23(2):98-109.
doi: 10.1310/sci2302-98.

Step-Climbing Power Wheelchairs: A Literature Review

S Andrea Sundaram  1   2 , Hongwu Wang  1   2 , Dan Ding  1   2 , Rory A Cooper  1   2
Affiliations

Step-Climbing Power Wheelchairs: A Literature Review

S Andrea Sundaram et al. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2017 Spring.

Abstract

Background: Power wheelchairs capable of overcoming environmental barriers, such as uneven terrain, curbs, or stairs, have been under development for more than a decade. Method: We conducted a systematic review of the scientific and engineering literature to identify these devices, and we provide brief descriptions of the mechanism and method of operation for each. We also present data comparing their capabilities in terms of step climbing and standard wheelchair functions. Results: We found that all the devices presented allow for traversal of obstacles that cannot be accomplished with traditional power wheelchairs, but the slow speeds and small wheel diameters of some designs make them only moderately effective in the basic area of efficient transport over level ground and the size and configuration of some others limit maneuverability in tight spaces. Conclusion: We propose that safety and performance test methods more comprehensive than the International Organization for Standards (ISO) testing protocols be developed for measuring the capabilities of advanced wheelchairs with step-climbing and other environment-negotiating features to allow comparison of their clinical effectiveness.

Keywords: assistive technology; literature review; power wheelchairs; robotics; wheelchairs.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Leg-wheel hybrid designs.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Spider wheel designs.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Rigid support designs.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Crawler tractor designs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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