Development and testing of a biofeedback system for wheelchair propulsion analysis

Abstract

This project designed, implemented, validated and tested a biofeedback system for wheelchair propulsion analysis which was named OptiPush Biofeedback System. The system includes an instrumented wheelchair wheel and biofeedback software. The instrumented wheel was designed to measure wheel angle and the 3-dimensional forces and torques applied to wheelchair handrim during pushing. The software provides real-time single & multi-variable biofeedback. Static and dynamic system validation was tested and the results revealed low error in all measurements. The viability of single variable biofeedback was tested with 31 wheelchair users Results showed that subjects were able to make significant and controlled changes of their propulsion technique. Multivariable biofeedback was tested with 32 wheelchair users. Results showed that users were able to reduce both their peak handrim force and their push cadence concurrently. All testing results revealed that propulsion technique could be improved by using the OptiPush Biofeedback System.