Kinematics and pushrim kinetics in adolescents propelling high-strength lightweight and ultra-lightweight manual wheelchairs.

Compared with the standard lightweight wheelchair, ultra-lightweight wheelchair propulsion was associated with lower pushrim forces, lower energy costs, higher self-selected speeds, and increased shoulder and elbow flexion. These variables have been linked to injury risk and mobility efficiency, and the results provided evidence that differences in weight and configuration options are both contributors. Findings can inform decision-making in the prescription of manual wheelchairs for pre-adult populations. Implications for Rehabilitation A significant proportion of manual wheelchair users are children and adolescents, and due to the early onset of use they may be especially predisposed to the development of chronic overuse injuries. The study reports differences in energy costs, pushrim forces, and upper body kinematics measured when adolescents propelled standard and ultra-lightweight wheelchairs across three trial conditions. In the ultra-lightweight wheelchair, reduced energy cost is linked to more efficient mobility, and lower forces may be linked to lower risk of chronic injury. Significant differences in elbow and shoulder kinematics are also reported, and the findings support the importance of both weight and setup options in the selection of manual wheelchairs.