Evaluation of wheelchair with a function to drive straight by one-hand operation in driving it on a bike roller

Abstract

In this study, I evaluated drive performance of the wheelchair which can drive straight on ahead by one-hand operation under two strengths (normal and hard driving) and driving two locations (driving on the gymnasium and bike roller). For evaluation dive performance, I measured upper limb myoelectric and torque generated on the transmission axis during driving. As measurement results, driving on gymnasium measured bigger values of iEMG than driving on the bike roller and significant differences are observed. However, under both strengths, values of torque driving on the bike roller is bigger than driving on the gymnasium. I think these results imply driving on the gymnasium, we operate rolling wheels. For that reason, we generate driving force and power to stop wheels. Thus, values of iEMG driving on the bike roller is smaller than driving on gymnasium. The other hand, values of torque driving on the bike roller is bigger than driving on the gymnasium. Driving on the bike roller, wheels rotation is stationary every one drive. For that reason, I think transmission axis of the wheelchair receives greater load than driving on the gymnasium. From the results, the wheelchair driving on the bike roller cannot be valid currently but we need to continue consideration.