For individuals with physical disabilities, a manual wheelchair serves as their primary means of mobility, allowing them to live independently. The repetitive pushing motion involved in wheelchair propulsion imposes a significant load on the upper extremity joints of wheelchair users, leading to cumulative injuries in the upper limb joints and surrounding tissues. Additionally, the need to grip the wheel rims during propulsion limits the range of motion in the upper limbs, reducing the effectiveness and efficiency of the propulsion process and contributing to upper limb injuries.

Furthermore, the design of the wheelchair itself, including the seat position, rear wheelbase, axle position, and rear wheel camber, can influence the upper limb performance of wheelchair users during the propulsion process, affecting both biomechanics and comfort. The research conducted in our laboratory focuses on investigating the biomechanical characteristics of wheelchair users during wheelchair propulsion. This includes examining the force exerted during wheel pushing, upper extremity kinematics and kinetics during motion, and changes in mechanical efficiency during wheelchair propulsion.

To capture the forces involved during wheelchair propulsion, we utilize wheels equipped with force-torque sensors in conjunction with motion capture systems. By using an adjustable wheelchair, we can manipulate parameters such as seat position, rear wheel position, and rear wheel camber to understand their impact on wheelchair users. In addition to studying wheelchair propulsion on flat surfaces, our research explores the biomechanics of wheelchair tilting, as well as propulsion on different slopes and at varying speeds.

The models and findings established in our research, shed light on the biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion and injury mechanism of wheelchair users, which can provide wheelchair manufacturers with relevant information in designing wheelchairs