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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Determining and Controlling External Power Output During Regular Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion
Published on: February 5, 2020
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Comparison of Muscle Load, Comfort, Usability, and Time-On-Task Across 3 Wheelchair Handle Orientations and Ground
Yen-Hui Lin1,2, Chien-Chun Chang3, Victor Ei-Wen Lo4
1Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Summary
Parallel wheelchair handles increase upper-limb strain and discomfort, especially on ramps. Vertical handles reduce muscle load but impair usability, while lateral handles offer a balance for ergonomic wheelchair pushing.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Wheelchair propulsion involves significant upper-limb biomechanical stress.
- Optimizing handle design is crucial for caregiver comfort and efficiency.
- Integrating physiological and usability data offers a comprehensive performance evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare muscle load, comfort, usability, and task completion time across parallel, vertical, and lateral wheelchair handle orientations.
- To investigate the influence of different ground types on these parameters.
- To evaluate the combined effects of handle design and surface on wheelchair pushing performance.
Main Methods:
- Randomized crossover study with 28 healthy adults simulating wheelchair pushing.
- Electromyographic (EMG) activity measured for key upper-limb muscles (ECR, FCU, BB).
- Subjective measures included Borg CR-10 for discomfort and System Usability Scale (SUS) for usability.
Main Results:
- Handle orientation and ground type significantly impacted muscle activation (P<0.05).
- Parallel handles led to higher muscle load and discomfort, particularly on ramps.
- Vertical handles decreased forearm muscle load but lowered usability scores (SUS) and increased task time on complex paths.
Conclusions:
- Parallel handles increase biomechanical demand and discomfort for wheelchair pushers, especially on inclines.
- Vertical handles offer reduced muscle load but compromise usability and maneuverability.
- Lateral handles provide a balanced approach, with moderate muscle activation and improved turning control, supporting ergonomic design principles.
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