A comparison of spinergy versus standard steel-spoke wheelchair wheels.

Abstract

To compare the energy efficiency of straight-line wheeling using Spinergy wheels as compared with standard steel-spoke wheels, and to assess the 2 wheels in terms of user comfort and wheeling preference during a wheeling course with multiple turns and surfaces. Nonblinded randomized crossover trial. Rehabilitation center. Twenty persons with paraplegia (neurologic level T6 and below). Wheeling a straight line and obstacle course with Spinergy or standard spoke wheelchair wheels. Velocity and Physiological Cost Index (PCI) while wheeling over ground at a self-selected pace, and the User Preference Questionnaire after wheeling an obstacle course, using Spinergy or standard spoke wheelchair wheels. There was no significant difference in wheeling energy efficiency between the Spinergy and the steel-spoke wheels as measured by PCI ( P =.975). When rated for overall comfort, the Spinergy wheels were preferred over steel-spoke wheels ( P =.002). Spinergy wheels provided a more comfortable ride, but did not differ from standard steel-spoked wheels in terms of energy efficiency. The increased comfort may have important implications in patient management of pain and spasticity.