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Effects of cross slopes and varying surface characteristics on the mobility of manual wheelchair users

Cooper, RA and Molinero, AM and Souza, A and Collins, DM and Karmarkar, A and Teodorski, E and Sporner, M (2012) Effects of cross slopes and varying surface characteristics on the mobility of manual wheelchair users. Assistive Technology, 24 (2). 102 - 109. ISSN 1040-0435

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Abstract

Surface characteristics of a cross slope can impact the ease with which a manual wheelchair (MWC) user propels across a surface. The purpose of this research was two-fold. Phase I of this research surveyed MWC users to identify cross slope scenarios that they reported to be more difficult to traverse compared to other common driving obstacles. Our survey results showed that, overall, cross slopes were harder to propel across than narrow and manual doors, and cross-slopes in inclement weather conditions were equal or more difficult than gravel and rough-surfaces. Cross slopes with severe angles and those with compound angles (slope with cross-slope) were the most difficult to traverse. Phase II focused on identifying the responses (e.g., avoid, explore alternative, experience a sense of insecurity, no effect) people had when viewing pictures of various cross-slopes scenarios (e.g., narrow space, compound angles, extreme weather) that wheelchair users encounter. These results showed that people reported that they would avoid or feel insecure on some cross-sloped surfaces, like the weather, that are not within our control, others, like compound angle and curb-cuts on slopes, that can be addressed in the construction of pathways or sidewalks. Copyright © 2012 RESNA.

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Details

Item Type: Article
Status: Published
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Cooper, RARCOOPER@pitt.eduRCOOPER
Molinero, AM
Souza, A
Collins, DM
Karmarkar, A
Teodorski, E
Sporner, M
Centers: Other Centers, Institutes, Offices, or Units > Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Date: 1 June 2012
Date Type: Publication
Journal or Publication Title: Assistive Technology
Volume: 24
Number: 2
Page Range: 102 - 109
DOI or Unique Handle: 10.1080/10400435.2012.659326
Schools and Programs: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Refereed: Yes
ISSN: 1040-0435
MeSH Headings: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Architectural Accessibility--methods; Construction Materials; Female; Humans; Locomotion; Male; Middle Aged; Questionnaires; United States; Wheelchairs
PubMed ID: 22876732
Date Deposited: 05 Oct 2012 18:33
Last Modified: 02 Feb 2019 14:56
URI: http://d-scholarship-dev.library.pitt.edu/id/eprint/15662

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