Access Board sponsors studies to examine wheelchair travel, transfer
WASHINGTON - The United States Access Board is sponsoring research by the Department of Veterans Affairs Human Engineering Research Laboratory (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh to lay the groundwork for studies on wheelchair transfer and the effects of cross slope on wheelchair travel.
Board staff recently met with Dr. Rory Cooper and other researchers at HERL for briefings on these projects and related research activities. The Board is interested in gathering data on factors that affect transfer from wheeled mobility aids.
Existing access standards address the height of elements such as toilet and shower seats and benches based on the seat height of standard wheelchairs and required clear floor space for transfer positioning. However, little is known about how the relationship of transfer surfaces affects access to many elements, including seats in vehicles and amusement rides. In particular, information is needed on the impact of vertical differences and horizontal gaps between transfer points, the proximity of positioning space, and elements requiring multiple transfers, among other factors.
HERL researchers consulted previous studies through a literature review and are developing a methodology for subject testing. This work includes development of an adjustable testing device to assess transfer orientation and techniques and to measure exertion levels under a variety of conditions. Adjustable features will be used to simulate transfer between a range of heights and lateral distances, both separately and in combination, as well as the availability of handholds or similar supports and the presence of constraints such as side guards. HERL plans to recruit up to 300 individuals for testing.
Studies indicate that surface slopes running across the direction of travel, often referred to as the cross slope, have a major impact on manual wheelchair propulsion. The Board funded a preliminary investigation by HERL to review existing research and to survey people who use wheelchairs to gather information on the interaction of slope, surface, and weather conditions on wheelchair travel in preparation for a follow-on project involving subject testing.
In the Board's study, which was completed last summer, HERL researchers found that the test protocols of previous studies varied greatly and that the measures used do not fully capture the complex effects of cross slope. Further, few studies included testing in outdoor environments over a range of surfaces.
Results also confirmed that terrain features interact in complex ways and that the effects are more pronounced among certain populations, particularly older adults, women, and people with progressive conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, or upper extremity impairment.
Based on the initial study, researchers developed a protocol for subject testing to measure the effects of cross slope on a range of cross and running slopes and surface conditions. This follow-on testing phase, which is utilizing devices developed by HERL to measure work, energy, distance-per-stroke, and pushrim forces, is underway with additional support from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
HERL representatives will also participate in a Board workshop on human factors and the wheelchair rollability of surfaces, including roughness and vibration, to be conducted at the Transportation Research Board's annual meeting in January.
Click here to visit the HERL Web site.
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