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. 2021 Jan 31:8:2055668320980300.
doi: 10.1177/2055668320980300. eCollection 2021 Jan-Dec.

Scoping review of the rolling resistance testing methods and factors that impact manual wheelchairs

Joseph Ott  1   2 , Jonathan Pearlman  1   2
Affiliations

Scoping review of the rolling resistance testing methods and factors that impact manual wheelchairs

Joseph Ott et al. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng. .

Abstract

Introduction: Rolling resistance (RR) is a drag force acting on manual wheelchairs that is associated with increased propulsion force and is linked to secondary disabling conditions of the upper limbs. A scoping review was conducted to understand how RR of manual wheelchairs has been measured and to identify limitations of those test methods and the factors tested.

Methods: A total of 42 papers were identified and reviewed, and test methods were categorized based on the measurement style of RR, testing level, and if multiple parameters could be tested. Additionally, 34 articles were reviewed for what factors were tested.

Results: Seven different testing methods categories were identified: drag test, treadmill, motor draw, deceleration, physiological expenditure, ergometer/dynamometer, and robotic test rig. Relevant articles were categorized into testing factor categories: camber, toe, tire type, tire pressure, caster type, mass, mass distribution, and type of surface.

Conclusions: The variety of testing methods suggests the need for a standardized method that can be used for wheelchair wheel design and selection to reduce RR. It is important to use adjustments, such as a forward rear axle position to mitigate RR as well as using high-pressure pneumatic tires that are properly inflated.

Keywords: Wheelchair; friction; propulsion.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of conflicting interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
RR Free body diagram where Ft is the tangential force, V is the angular velocity, and W is the load on the axle, FRR is the RR force, MZFT is the moment due to the tangential force, MZFRR is the moment inducing the RR force.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Selection flowchart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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