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Determining and Controlling External Power Output During Regular Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion
Published on: February 5, 2020
DESIGN REFINEMENT AND TAKE-HOME TESTING OF A MOBILE MANUAL STANDING WHEELCHAIR
Andrew Hansen1, Drew Davis2, Gregory Voss3
1Minneapolis VA Health Care System; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Proceedings of the ... Design of Medical Devices Conference. Design of Medical Devices Conference
|August 8, 2026
Summary
This study refined a mobile-in-standing wheelchair with a powered sit-to-stand system for individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). While users reported high satisfaction, the wheelchair
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Assistive Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Commercially available standing wheelchairs lack mobility while in the standing position.
- Previous designs for mobile-in-standing wheelchairs were limited in accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine a manual standing wheelchair to be mobile while standing.
- To enhance accessibility for a wider range of wheelchair users, including those with tetraplegia.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of a powered sit-to-stand system into the wheelchair design.
- Significant modifications to the wheelchair structure to enable standing mobility.
- A two-month take-home study involving 11 Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).
Main Results:
- The refined wheelchair successfully enabled mobility while standing.
- Three Veterans with tetraplegia, unable to use the previous non-powered system, could utilize the new design.
- High user satisfaction reported for durability, safety, comfort, ease of use, and effectiveness.
- Participants expressed dissatisfaction with the wheelchair's size and weight.
Conclusions:
- The powered sit-to-stand mobile wheelchair is a promising advancement for individuals with SCI/D.
- Further design refinements are necessary to address issues of size and weight.
- The enhanced accessibility, particularly for individuals with tetraplegia, highlights the system's potential impact.
