Elucidation of the Body Joint Movements and Mechanisms for Effectively Accelerating a Wheelchair

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19997
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59020:Sports sciences-related
• Research Institution: Kindai University
• Principal Investigator: TANABE SATORU 近畿大学, 経営学部, 教授 (70435444)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 車いすテニス / チェアワーク / 加速

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to clarify the body joint movements and mechanisms that enable effective acceleration of a wheelchair, by directly measuring the force applied by the hand using force sensors, and investigating the motion with a motion analysis system during rapid wheelchair movement. We found that athletes who achieved higher wheelchair speeds exerted less force on the hand rim. During the second half of the phase where force was applied to the hand rim, elbow extension and shoulder flexion movements were observed. Furthermore, it was observed that the wheelchair continued to accelerate even after the subjects’ hands had left the hand rim. These results suggest that after applying force to the hand rim and achieving a certain level of acceleration through elbow and shoulder movements, the wheelchair is further effectively accelerated during the recovery phase by extending the trunk backward.

Free Research Field

スポーツバイオメカニクス

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、車いすの推進速度の高かった選手の方が身体関節運動によってハンドリムに加えた力が小さく、一見、推進速度を高めることとは関係のなさそうな体幹の後屈運動などをリカバリー局面に行うことで、車いすの推進速度を高めていることが明らかとなった。この研究成果は障がい者スポーツ関係者だけではなく、一般の車いす利用者にとっても有益な情報であり、この研究成果を応用することで、車いすの操作性の向上につながることが期待できる。