1A2-M06 Study on body vibration during wheelchair driving : A comparison of new casters with shock absorbing mechanism and conventional casters

Abstract

This study proposes safety and comfort of wheelchair users whilewheelchair driving. Wheelchair users are get body vibrations in thily life, caused from various road conditions such as bumps, uneven terrain, tactile, curb ascent / descent, and a door threshold, and other barriers. Such vibrations causes discomfort and further injury. New casters with shock absorbing mechanism has been developedto reduce vibrations and to improve wheelchair user comfort. The peak-to-peak values and power spectral of accelerations were evaluated whether new casters reduce shock vibrations transmitted to users as compared to conventional casters that solid tire, air tire, and urethane tire caster wheel. Casters with suspension and air tire caster demonstrated effectiveness of reducing body vibrations.