Design and development of a dual-power stroke lever-propelled wheelchair in limited resource setting: a pilot user...

This study presents the design and development of a lever-propelled wheelchair with a novel propulsion system aimed at reducing user effort and fatigue by improving propulsion efficiency and ergonomics. A cost-effective and user-friendly prototype was developed to benefit individuals with lower limb disabilities, particularly those in low-income settings.

A descriptive review of the literature and patents was conducted to identify the current advancements in wheelchair design and features. Essential features from the tricycle and lever-propelled wheelchairs are considered in the prototype design, in adherence to the WHO wheelchair standards. A CAD model was designed based on these standards and considering the low-cost manufacturing process to match the low-resource setting. The prototype was then fabricated using the standard manufacturing process.

Trials were conducted with 25 unimpaired participants following a brief familiarisation and training session. Participants performed repeated propulsion trials along a predefined outdoor course involving straight-line motion, turning, and braking. User feedback on ease of use, comfort, safety, and propulsion effectiveness was collected using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0).

Based on the participants trials, received positive feedback, which provides preliminary support for the developed wheelchairs propulsion mechanism, stability, and overall build quality. The user provides feedback on ease of use because of the dual-power stroke mechanism, which reduces a significant amount of user effort in propelling the wheelchair, manufactured in limited-resource settings.