We will take a look at rolling resistance in wheelchairs and the factors that contribute to it. You have to keep the concept of inertia in mind before we examine rolling resistance.
Inertia is the tendency of a body to resist change in its movement.
It has to be conquered to be able to begin propulsion in a manual wheelchair. More force has to be applied in order to begin propulsion from a stationary spot in comparison to sustaining a consistent self-selected rate of speed.
So as to keep up a consistent speed over a flat surface, an individual using a wheelchair has to get over rolling resistance.
What is Rolling resistance?
Rolling resistance is the force that resists the movement whenever an object rolls on a surface. Rolling resistance is going to restrict the length a manual wheelchair coasts once a force, like from a push stroke, is executed.
Reducing the rolling resistance in a manual wheelchair allows far more efficient propulsion, decreasing the force and number of strokes needed to propel the wheelchair, which will help to minimize the chance of upper extremity soreness and personal injury.
For individuals who foot propel, decreasing rolling resistance in a regular wheelchair provides increased ease of motion of the wheelchair and will help to stop slipping from the wheelchair brought on whenever the energy necessary for the heel hit and pull through drags the pelvis forward in the wheelchair.
Conditions for Rolling Resistance in Manual Chairs
A number of conditions lead to rolling resistance in a regular wheelchair. These conditions include things like the weight of the individual and the weight of the equipment, the load allocation between the forward casters and the back wheels, along with the dimensions and kind of casters and tires chosen, as well as the surface finish upon which the wheelchair is employed (for instance, hard, smooth surface compared to a soft surface like carpet) will all have an impact on rolling resistance.
Since rolling resistance increases the effort and amount of energy required to propel a manual wheelchair, it is important to take into account the unique specifications and repairs and maintenance functionalities when configuring a manual wheelchair for a particular person.
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