29P-B-4 Influence of slope gradients and wheelchair pushing technique on the user's postural change and physiological responses

Abstract

The present study examined the influences of slope gradients and the direction of wheelchair travel on the user's riding comfort and the postural change and the physiological value during wheelchair locomotion on a longitudinal slope. On both uphill and downhill slopes, steeper gradients enhanced the postural change of the user On steeper downhill gradients, going down the slope backward decreased user's heart rate. On a downhill slope with a steep gradient, especially steeper slope gradients than 1/10 or more, going down backward would be a useful technique to stabily user's postural during wheelchair locomotion.