Longitudinal Assessment of Vibrations During Wheelchair Use

Author

Rory A. Cooper, PhD, Erik Wolf, BS, Shirley G. Fitzgerald, PhD, Michael L. Boninger, MD, Rhys Ulerich, BS, William A. Ammer, BS

Summary

This study investigates the exposure to whole-body vibrations (WBV) for manual and power wheelchair users driving over nine different sidewalk surfaces. Key findings include:

  • Surfaces like poured concrete generate higher WBV compared to interlocking concrete pavement (ICP) with smaller bevels.
  • Over time, sidewalk surfaces may worsen in vibration transmission due to wear or heaving, leading to increased WBV risks.
  • Both manual and power wheelchair users are at risk of secondary injuries, such as lower back and neck pain, from prolonged WBV exposure.

The research emphasizes the importance of selecting smoother sidewalk materials and optimizing wheelchair design to minimize WBV.

Keywords

whole-body vibration, wheelchair design, sidewalk materials, vibration reduction, injury prevention

Document

Cooper Vibration over select sidewalk surfaces