Biomechanics and parasports. Application to arm crank wheelchair propulsion

While the hand-cranked wheelchair is the most widely used and most extensively studied wheelchair, alternatives to this mode of propulsion do exist. These include hand-cranked wheelchairs, known as handbikes (HB) (or handcycles), which have been developed over the last thirty years. Today, the HB is widely used in rehabilitation programs for people with reduced mobility, and in parasport (a Paralympic discipline since 2004).

In parallel with its development, HB propulsion has become a fast-growing research topic. The recent profusion of scientific literature and the latest international congresses on wheelchair mobility, some of which were devoted to the subject, bear witness to this. However, studies are generally limited to an analysis of physiological parameters, and do not provide precise answers to questions relating to the biomechanical analysis of the propulsive gesture of handbikers.

To improve training and limit the traumatic risks associated with HB propulsion, a biomechanical analysis of this mode of propulsion is essential. Several possibilities exist. The first is to analyze the movements performed by subjects using motion analysis systems. The second is to simulate the movement. This second possibility allows us to test various hypotheses that cannot necessarily be tested in reality. In this article, both techniques were used, depending on the objectives.

The general aim of this article is to study the propulsion technique and the ergonomic aspects of the HB's settings (in line with its user) in order to improve performance and reduce the injury risk factors associated with this propulsion mode.