Multi-Speed Ergonomic Wheelchair for Spinal Cord Injury

N/A

Recruiting

Led By John M Looft, PhD

Research Sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up up to 4 weeks after enrollment

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will study a new wheelchair design to reduce shoulder pain for manual wheelchair users and improve their independence. #wheelchair #pain #independence

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals over 18 who use a manual wheelchair daily, weigh less than 125 kg, and can fit into wheelchairs with seat widths of 16" or 18". Participants must be able to make decisions and follow study procedures. Those with recent surgeries, pressure injuries, cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases that could affect safety are excluded.

What is being tested?

The study compares two types of ergonomic wheelchairs: one with multiple gear options versus a single-speed version. It aims to see if the multi-gear design improves hand rim positioning and reduces shoulder pain by offering easier movement initiation and adaptability to different terrains.

What are the potential side effects?

While not explicitly stated, potential side effects may include muscle strain or discomfort due to adapting to new wheelchair mechanics. However, the goal is to reduce shoulder pain and improve ergonomics.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ up to 4 weeks after enrollment

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~up to 4 weeks after enrollment

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 4 weeks after enrollment for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

20 Meter Push Test - Carpet, Gear Ratio 1:1

20 Meter Push Test - Carpet, Gear Ratio 2:3

20 Meter Push Test - Carpet, Gear Ratio 3:2

+26 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Multispeed Testing - Standard WheelchairExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The second aim will have participants compared to the participant's standard wheelchair to a multi-speed (2 gear ratios) ergonomic wheelchair.

Group II: Multispeed Testing - Ergonomic WheelchairExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The second aim will have participants compared to the participant's standard wheelchair to a multi-speed (2 gear ratios) ergonomic wheelchair.

Group III: Ergonomic Wheelchair Gear TestingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This study has two aims. The first aim will have participants use a single speed ergonomic wheelchair to test three different gear ratio set ups (3:2, 1:1, 2:3).

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