Comparison of Metabolic Cost, Performance, and Efficiency of Propulsion Using an Ergonomic Hand Drive Mechanism and a Conventional Manual Wheelchair

The results demonstrate that metabolic costs did not differ significantly; however, performance and efficiency were sacrificed with the EHDM. Modifications to the EHDM (eg, addition of gearing) could rectify the performance and efficiency decrements while maintaining similar metabolic costs. Although not an ideal technology, the EHDM can be considered as an alternative mode of mobility by wheelchair users and rehabilitation specialists.