Article

Objectives: To compare the energy efficiency of straightline wheeling using Spinergy wheels as compared with standard steel-spoke wheels, and to assess the 2 wheels in terms of user comfort and wheeling preference during a wheeling course with multiple turns and surfaces. Design: Nonblinded randomized crossover trial. Setting: Rehabilitation center. Participants: Twenty persons with paraplegia (neurologic level T6 and below). Intervention: Wheeling a straight line and obstacle course with Spinergy or standard spoke wheelchair wheels. Main Outcome Measures: Velocity and Physiological Cost Index (PCI) while wheeling over ground at a self-selected pace, and the User Preference Questionnaire after wheeling an obstacle course, using Spinergy or standard spoke wheelchair wheels. Results: There was no significant difference in wheeling energy efficiency between the Spinergy and the steel-spoke wheels as measured by PCI (P = .975). When rated for overall comfort, the Spinergy wheels were preferred over steel-spoke wheels (P = .002). Conclusions: Spinergy wheels provided a more comfortable ride, but did not differ from standard steel-spoked wheels in terms of energy efficiency. The increased comfort may have important implications in patient management of pain and spasticity.
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Langue : ANGLAIS