SMARTWheel: From Concept to Clinical Practice

Wheelchair prescription is complex with thousands of choices and options. Theoretically, a higher quality or innovative wheelchair that is appropriately matched to the user and their unique needs will increase participation. The SMARTWheel was created to better understand the physiological and physical effects of wheelchair propulsion on the body. Initially, little was known about wheelchair propulsion and the SMARTWheel transformed the nascent field of wheelchair propulsion biomechanics. The SMARTWheel has been used by other scientists in areas that were not originally envisioned to be applications. It has been used to support the design of tools for developing a trail mapping rating and description system.

• 1
  The SMARTWheel transformed the nascent field of wheelchair propulsion biomechanics by allowing researchers to identify and analyze characteristics such as push-angle, peak forces and moments, and center-of-pressure.
• 2
  Research using the SMARTWheel has shown that pushrim forces are generally lowered as rear axles are moved in the anterior direction, though a comfortable balance must be maintained for the user.
• 3
  The SMARTWheel has been critical to studying the relationship between wheelchair type, setup, technique, and the risk of repetitive strain injury among wheelchair users.