Design Implications of Comfort and Usability of Manual Stairclimbing Wheelchair: Ergonomic Assessment and Pilot Study...

Stairclimbing wheelchairs offer enhanced mobility for users navigating multilevel environments, yet limited research addresses the ergonomics of lever propulsion-based stair climbing mechanisms. Comprehensive ergonomic assessment integrating both subjective user feedback and objective biomechanical analysis is essential for optimizing assistive device design for comfort and usability.

This pilot study aims to assess the ergonomic design of a transformable stair-climbing wheelchair through a dual-methodology approach, evaluating plane surface movement accessibility and quantifying muscle activation patterns during lever-propelled stair-climbing operations using surface electromyography (sEMG).

This 2-part study involved anthropometric measurements from 20 male participants to establish design parameters using 5th and 95th percentile values. Part A assessed plane surface movement with 9 participants (7 healthy, 2 with paraplegia) navigating a simulated urban course featuring a 5° ramp, a 90° turn, and narrow passages across 3 trials. Task completion times and subjective ride easiness ratings were recorded. Part B used a Taguchi-based fractional factorial design to evaluate 3 ergonomic factors, including torso angle (λ), lever distance (L), and lever orientation (ψ), across 7 healthy participants. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured for 4 muscles, including biceps brachii long head (BBL), triceps brachii long head (TBL), brachioradialis, and posterior deltoid (PDT).

In Part A, the ramp and 90° turn proved most challenging due to the wheelchair's 65 kg weight and large turning radius (~1450 mm). Driving control scored highest (6/10), while comfort scored lowest due to the tilted seat design. In Part B, a straight torso (λ=0°) consistently reduced muscle strain, particularly for brachioradialis. A lever distance of approximately 50 mm and a neutral to slightly supinated orientation (ψ=0°-30°) optimized muscle effort. Interaction effects revealed high strain configurations (λ=45°; L=100 mm; ψ=-30°) exceeding 75 MVC, while optimal settings reduced strain to approximately 50 MVC.

Optimal ergonomic parameters of λ=0°, L=37.5 mm, and ψ=15° are recommended to minimize fatigue and enhance user comfort. Design improvements should prioritize weight reduction, compact form factor for maneuverability, and adjustable seat tilt. The modular wheelchair design permits customization for diverse user populations. Future research should include larger, gender-diverse participant groups and real-world validation studies.