A STUDY ON UNDERSTANDING OF WHEELCHAIR TRANSFERRING ACTION

Comparison of Transferring Action Between Manual and Electric Wheelchair Users

Abstract

This study is focused on understanding the usage patterns of wheelchair, and transferring action of wheelchair users. Transferring mishaps are one of the major causes for injuries. Moreover, all the transferring actions between wheelchair and other surfaces are difficult for wheelchair users. To learn about the importance and details about proper transferring action for wheelchair users a standardized several observations and an Internet-based survey were conducted. In this survey, respondents were divided into two groups by taking into account their using type of wheelchairs. The purpose of this grouping was to learn more about the potential users of the two major wheelchair types and to compare the transferring actions in two cases. The comments from respondents were learned to comprehend their conditions and requirements of proper transferring. The aims of this study were to determine the viability of easier transferring solutions, suggest new wheelchair and component designs.