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Mapping wheelchair functions and their associated functional elements for stair climbing accessibility: a systematic
Abhishek Verma1, Siddhant Shrivastava1, Janakarajan Ramkumar1,2
1Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India.
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|May 25, 2022
Summary
This review highlights a gap in wheelchair design, emphasizing the need to integrate user functional needs beyond stair climbing, such as safety and comfort. Future designs should prioritize holistic accessibility and user well-being for improved rehabilitation outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Assistive Technology Design
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Wheelchair (WC) design must address the diverse accessibility and assistive needs of individuals with locomotor disabilities.
- A comprehensive review is necessary to understand WC functions for both stair climbing and plane surface mobility.
Approach:
- 112 research articles were reviewed to map WC design elements to their associated functions.
- Stairclimbing technologies were assessed for functional elements, with cross-functional mapping performed.
- A heatmap was generated to visualize primary user needs and corresponding design elements.
Key Points:
- Current stairclimbing WC technology primarily focuses on climbing capability, neglecting crucial functional needs like safety, ride comfort, and maneuverability.
- A significant design gap exists between user functional needs and existing WC prototypes and products.
- Integrating novel stairclimbing mechanisms with essential functional elements can enhance WC design.
Conclusions:
- Effective rehabilitation requires assistive technologies that maximize accessibility and functionality for people with disabilities.
- Wheelchair design must incorporate user's physical and emotional needs with empathy, leveraging engineering advancements.
- This review facilitates a more rational integration of stairclimbing capabilities with user-centric functional elements, fostering greater user confidence and designer empathy.
