Abstract
The vertical slope in sidewalk is a big barrier for the wheelchair users. In Japan, the Law for Promoting Barrier-free Transport and Facilities for the Elderly and the Disabled and it's guideline indicate that the vertical slope in sidewalk is expected to be 5% gradient or less and it can be allowed 8% or less when it is unavoidable. The research on the relationship between the feature of slope with gradient, distance, speed and the physical load of wheelchair users is still remained. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physical load of the wheelchair users by the oxygen uptake values and the wheelchair driving force while they are propelling a wheelchair upward on a slope, and to realize barrier-free environment.
