Physiological parameters depending on two different types of manual wheelchair propulsion

The purpose of this study was to compare aerobic parameters in the multistage field test (MFT) in hand rim wheelchair propulsion and lever wheelchair propulsion.

Twenty-one men performed MFT using two different types of propulsion, i.e., lever and hand rim wheelchair propulsion. The covered distance and physiological variables (oxygen uptake (VO₂), minute ventilation (VE), carbon dioxide output (VCO₂), respiratory coefficient (RQ), and heart rate (HR)) were observed. Physiological variables were measured with Cosmed K5 system. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, t-test, Wilcoxon test and effect sizes (ESs) were used to assess differences. Statistical significance was set at p < .05.

A significantly longer distance was observed in lever wheelchair propulsion than in hand rim wheelchair propulsion (1,194 and 649 m, respectively). VO_2max and RQ were higher in hand rim wheelchair propulsion. All physiological variables for the last (fifth) level of the test in hand rim propulsion were significantly higher than in lever wheelchair propulsion. ES was large for each observed difference.

The lever wheelchair propulsion movement is less demanding than hand rim wheelchair propulsion and longer distances can be achieved by the user. There is a need to check lever wheelchair propulsion in different types of field tests.