Developing a wheelchair that adjusts speed for better mobility.
Multi-speed Ergonomic Wheelchair
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MINNEAPOLIS VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11055418
This study is testing a new, comfortable wheelchair made just for Veterans with spinal cord injuries, which lets you easily switch gears for different types of terrain, helping you move around more easily and use less energy in your daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MINNEAPOLIS VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11055418 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an ergonomic wheelchair designed specifically for Veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. The wheelchair features a unique chain drive system that allows for adjustable gear ratios, enabling users to switch between lower gears for challenging terrains and higher gears for smoother surfaces. By assessing the efficiency of different gearing options, the study aims to enhance the wheelchair's performance and ease of use for daily activities. Participants will engage in a cross-over study to evaluate how these adjustments impact their mobility and energy expenditure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders who use wheelchairs.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use wheelchairs or have conditions unrelated to mobility challenges may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mobility and quality of life for wheelchair users by making it easier to navigate various environments.
How similar studies have performed: While ergonomic wheelchairs have been developed, this specific approach of adjustable gearing for enhanced mobility is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- MINNEAPOLIS VA MEDICAL CENTER — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LOOFT, JOHN M — MINNEAPOLIS VA MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: LOOFT, JOHN M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.