後付け式足漕ぎ車いすの開発

抄録

In recent years, those who suffer from lower limbs impairment called locomotive syndrome are increasing with an increment of elderly people. Wheelchairs are effective device to enhance the QOL of people with lower limbs impairments. However, conventional wheelchairs require no exercise for lower limbs. So, it might cause disuse syndrome. Retrofit pedaling wheelchair is drawing attention from the society because it requires lower limbs exercise to move. However, existing pedaling wheelchair is very expensive, it is not widespread. We developed a pedaling unit that can be attached to a common wheelchair. Even hemiplegic patient is able to steer wheelchair with one hand, through pedaling by healthy leg, a paralyzed leg can be exercised in daily life. The pedaling unit can be attached easily to a conventional wheelchair by a hook and loop fastener. Anybody can utilize an existing wheelchair as a pedaling wheelchair by employing this pedaling unit.