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. 2025 Mar 3;8(2):25.
doi: 10.3390/mps8020025.

A Validation Protocol for an Instrumented Wheel: A Comparison with a Dual-Roller Handrim Wheelchair Ergometer

Safiya Noury  1 , Arnaud Hays  2 , Nolwenn Poquerusse  1 , Opale Vigié  1 , Lorian Honnorat  1 , Ilona Alberca  1 , Mathieu Deves  1 , Justin Regnaud  2 , Arnaud Faupin  1
Affiliations

A Validation Protocol for an Instrumented Wheel: A Comparison with a Dual-Roller Handrim Wheelchair Ergometer

Safiya Noury et al. Methods Protoc. .

Abstract

Measuring the propulsion performance of sport wheelchairs in ecological conditions remains complex due to variations inherent in real-world practice. This study aims to develop a validation protocol for an instrumented wheel designed to measure propulsion power under ecological conditions. The wheel's precision was compared to that of the Lode Esseda roller ergometer, the gold standard for measuring the force exerted on both the left and right hands. Tests were conducted at three speeds (1, 2, and 3 m/s) on a multisport wheelchair. Results show a strong correlation between the two systems, confirmed by a repeated measures ANOVA test (p > 0.05) and a root mean square error (RMSE < 5%). Bland-Altman plots reveal good agreement despite discrepancies observed at high speeds, potentially due to mechanical limits. The proposed protocol validates the instrumented wheel and highlights the importance of multi-speed evaluation to ensure valid measurements in ecological conditions.

Keywords: biomechanical; parasport; power; propulsion; wheelchair.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The Esseda wheelchair ergometer. Bottom: 1: wheeler extension; 2: castor support board; 3: emergency stop; 4: alignment flaps (4×); 5: roller (2×); 6: alignment handle; 7: straps (4×); 8: ramp; 9: communication module.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Exploded view of the instrumented wheel.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Mounting the wheelchair on the Lode Esseda ergometer.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Comparison of power measurements between the ergometer and the instrumented wheel at level 1 (a), level 2 (b), and level 3 (c).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Bland–Altman plot.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Bland–Altman plots for each velocity level for the right wheel (level 1: (a), level 2: (b), and level 3: (c)).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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