Steering-by-leaning: Feasibility of Utilising Dynamic Backrests to Control Steering in Manual Wheelchairs.
Reto Togni, Karin Disch, Michael Plüss and 3 others
PMID 36943189WHAT IT FOUND
A simple hinged backrest allowed wheelchair users to steer a virtual target more accurately than a complex shifting mechanism.
The study found no minimum level of trunk strength or movement range was required to use the device effectively, suggesting broad potential for users with varied disabilities.
Key findings
01The "Tilt" backrest configuration resulted in the lowest steering errors in the virtual exercise, significantly outperforming the "Shift" configuration.
02There were no significant correlations between participants' trunk range of motion or trunk strength and their performance in the steering task.
03Most participants showed an increase in trunk range of motion when using the supported backrests compared to sitting freely, though the "Shift" mechanism often restricted movement.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
Small sample size (n=15) with mixed pathologies limits generalizability. The study used a stationary wheelchair and a virtual screen, not real-world driving. The prototype was heavy and complex, not suitable for daily use. Did not assess long-term therapeutic benefits like improved circulation or core strength.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this technology is ready for daily use. The study used a heavy laboratory prototype in a stationary setting with a virtual screen, and the authors note the added weight and complexity make current forms unlikely for real-world adoption.