Assessment tool used to analyze wheelchair propulsion
Who may benefit from the SmartWheel?
- Difficulty with wheelchair propulsion
- Likely permanent manual-wheelchair use
- Upper-extremity pain due to chronic wheelchair use
- Considering modifications or improvements to his/her current wheelchair system
How does the SmartWheel work?
The SmartWheel is placed on a client's existing or trial wheelchair. Data generated by the SmartWheel is collected into a national database, allowing clinicians to compare an individual's data with collected normative values. The SmartWheel has sensors that detect the following data variables:
- Speed
- Push Frequency
- Push Length
- Force
- Push Smoothness
What are the advantages of using the SmartWheel?
The SmartWheel can be used to guide the individual in:
- wheelchair selection.
- wheelchair setup and fitting.
- training on effective propulsion technique and assessment of progress with training.
- justifying specific equipment usage to third-party payers.