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User centered design of a wheelchair based in an anthropometric study

Abstract:

In order to propose a wheelchairs user centered design an anthropometric study is performed in the province of Tungurahua, Ecuador. The study group consists of 22 people who: are wheelchairs users, are capable to perform professional activities with their upper limbs, have acquired the disability after reaching their physical maturity and are in working-age. A Kanos refined model questionnaire was applied to categorize criteria related to wheelchairs design parameters into different types of qualities to determine the user's preferences. In order to determinate the wheelchair dimensions, a chart with 13 chosen body measurements were developed. The results indicate, that the design requirements that should be included are: (1) capacity of adjustment in width and height to adapt to the user body, (2) a mechanism to vary the inclination of the back support, (3) a brake system in at least two wheels, (4) an electric system to extend the chair from sitting to standing position and backward (stand up mechanism), (5) a restraint system in feet, legs and waist. Calculated dimensions and adjustment, for the metal frame of a wheelchair that fits the physical characteristics of the local population, are presented and corroborate the need of the anthropometric studies in populations with specific ethnic compositions.