Evaluation of wheelchair tire rolling resistance using dynamometer-based coast-down tests

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Rolling resistance is a key factor affecting manual wheelchair propulsion efficiency.
• Tire selection significantly influences the energy expenditure of wheelchair users.
• Understanding tire performance is crucial for optimizing wheelchair design and user mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the rolling resistance of different manual wheelchair tire types.
• To evaluate the impact of load on tire rolling resistance.
• To identify tire characteristics that minimize rolling resistance.

Main Methods:

• Coast-down tests were conducted using a wheelchair on a two-drum dynamometer.
• Four common manual wheelchair tires (two pneumatic, two airless solid) were tested.
• Tests were performed under three distinct load conditions.

Main Results:

• Tire type significantly affected rolling resistance (p < 0.001).
• Pneumatic tires exhibited lower rolling resistance compared to solid tires.
• Pneumatic tires were less sensitive to changes in load than solid tires.
• Higher tire pressure and lower profile treads reduced rolling resistance within tire types.

Conclusions:

• Pneumatic tires offer superior performance regarding rolling resistance in manual wheelchairs.
• Tire characteristics such as pressure and tread design are critical for minimizing energy loss.
• Consideration of tire type is essential for wheelchair users, clinicians, and researchers to optimize manual wheelchair selection and performance.