Journal of Rehabil itation Research & Development Effects of camber on wheeling efficiency in the experienced and inexperienced wheelchair user

Abstract—The objective of this study was to determine whether energy costs differed between 0°, 3°, and 6 ° of camber during steady state overground wheeling. Three subject groups were examined: experienced wheelchair users with disabilities (thoracic lesion level 6 and below), nondisabled individuals with manual wheeling experience, and nondisabled individuals with no manual wheeling experience. Heart rate, rating of per-ceived exertion, visual analog scale for comfort, and a user pref-erence questionnaire were collected for all subjects. Expired gas analysis data were collected for the group with disabilities. No statistically significant differences emerged in respiratory meas-ures for camber angle or group. A camber of 6 degrees was most preferred in terms of stability on a side slope, hand com-fort on the pushrims, maneuverability, and overall preference. Rear-wheel camber angle did not affect the energy expenditur