Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Determining and Controlling External Power Output During Regular Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion
Published on: February 5, 2020
Exploring the impact of wheelchair casters characteristics on rolling resistance across various surfaces
Mathieu Deves1,2, Yoann Poulet3,4, Thomas Paradela3
1Laboratoire Jeunesse Activité Physique et Sportive - Santé (J-AP2S), Université de Toulon, La Garde, France.
Abstract:
Purpose: Rolling resistance (RR) significantly impacts the energy efficiency of manual wheelchair propulsion, influencing both daily mobility and sports performance. RR increases when weight shifts forward, making casters a critical contributor. This study aimed to isolate and evaluate the effects of caster diameter, hardness, cross-section, and caster type on RR across diverse surfaces, including sports and everyday environments.
Abstract:
Material and Methods: Ten casters with varying characteristics (diameter, hardness, cross-section, and material) were tested on six surfaces (GreenSet®, clay, Taraflex®, linoleum, stabilised ground floor, and tiles) using a custom deceleration cart. Measurements were collected using a wireless inertial measurement unit during deceleration tests, following a structured experimental design.
Abstract:
Results: Statistical analysis confirmed that smaller caster diameters exhibited higher RR, while larger casters reduced resistance. Harder casters generally minimized RR, except on stabilised ground floor, where softer casters performed better. Cross-section effects varied by surface, with flat profiles reducing RR on both smooth and irregular terrains. Skate-type casters demonstrated the lowest RR across most surfaces.
Abstract:
Conclusion: These findings highlight the critical role of tailoring caster configurations to specific surface characteristics for optimizing MWC performance. The results can provide valuable recommendations to manual wheelchair users regarding the optimal caster configuration based on their daily mobility needs or the specific characteristics of sports surfaces they train and compete on. Furthermore, the evaluation of ten different casters across six surfaces constitutes a robust dataset, serving as a foundation for the development of digital applications or the integration of resistance values into ergometers.
Related Concept Videos
Rolling Resistance: Problem Solving
Rolling Resistance
For instance, imagine a hard cylinder rolling on a comparatively soft surface. The cylinder's weight compresses the surface beneath it. As the cylinder moves, the material in front of it slows down...
Rolling With Slipping
An object's rolling motion is characterized by its rotation around its axis, while linear motion refers to the object's translational motion along a surface. Frictional forces can...
Rolling Without Slipping
Characteristics of Dry Friction
Before the wheelbarrow starts moving, the static frictional force acts tangentially to the contact surface, opposing the force that is about to induce the motion. This frictional force prevents the...
Equation of Motion: General Plane motion - Problem Solving
The friction between the roller and the ground is characterized by two coefficients. The static friction coefficient is 0.15, while the kinetic friction coefficient is 0.1. These values are crucial in understanding the interaction between...

