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Adding loads to occupied wheelchairs: effect on static rear and forward stability

R L Kirby1, B D Ashton, S A Ackroyd-Stolarz

  • 1Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|February 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Added weight significantly impacts occupied wheelchair stability, with placement being crucial. Loading on footrests greatly increases rear stability but reduces forward stability, while lap and low anterior positions are best for maintaining balance.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Rehabilitation Engineering
  • Human Factors Engineering

Background:

  • Occupied wheelchairs are essential mobility devices.
  • Understanding factors affecting wheelchair stability is critical for user safety.
  • Added loads can alter the center of mass, potentially compromising stability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the impact of load placement on the static stability of occupied wheelchairs.
  • To determine optimal load positions for maintaining wheelchair stability.

Main Methods:

  • A controlled, cross-over study design was employed.
  • Loads ranging from 0 to 10kg were incrementally added to five distinct positions: high rear (HR), low rear (LR), lap (LAP), low anterior (LA), and footrests (FR).
  • Static stability was measured in degrees using an anthropomorphic test dummy on a tilting platform, supplemented by computer modeling for loads up to 100kg.

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Main Results:

  • Footrest (FR) loads significantly increased rear stability (up to 227% with 100kg), while high rear (HR) loads decreased it (up to 64%).
  • Low rear (LR) loads enhanced forward stability (up to 92%), whereas footrest (FR) loads drastically reduced it (up to 149%).
  • Lap (LAP) and low anterior (LA) load positions were identified as preferable for minimizing stability alterations.

Conclusions:

  • The magnitude of added load influences wheelchair stability.
  • Load position is a critical determinant of both the extent and direction of stability changes.
  • Strategic placement of loads, such as on the lap or low anteriorly, can help preserve wheelchair stability.