A clinical guide to:

Energy Conservation

Perceived exertion

during daily activities is high amongst wheelchair users compared to the able-bodied population

Qi et al. 2015

Clinical Recommendations

Dependency on the upper body, which can make it more straining but also causes less energy expenditure because of the smaller skeletal muscle mass activated.
Collins et al. 2010

Conserving energy during straining tasks might allow to maintain function while performing other necessary activities.
Algood et al. 2005

Power Assist Devices

The use of a Power Assist Device could help the user stay physically active.

If PAD means that a user can stay physically active or that the transition to a power wheelchair can be postponed, the benefits of moderate physical activity of wheelchair propulsion can remain over a longer period
Kloosterman et al. 2013

User Benefits

Lower effort with PAD can help lower muscle activity, heart rate and oxygen consumption and perceived exertion.

1. Lower muscle activity

Lower muscle activity observed in the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid
Levy et al. 2004; Lighthall-Haubert et al. 2009; Kloosterman et al. 2012; 2015
Lower heart rate and oxygen consumption
Cooper et al. 2001; Arva et al. 2001; Algood et al. 2004; 2005; Levy et al. 2004; Nash et al. 2008; Pavlidou et al. 2015; Guillon et al. 2015; Pradon et al. 2021

2. Lower perceived exertion

Lower perceived exertion with the use of a PAD
Fitzgerald et al. 2003; Levy et al. 2004; Nash et al. 2008; Giacobbi et al. 2010; Kloosterman et al. 2013; Khalili et al. 2021

Mototronik

Front Mounted Power Assist Device

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SmartDrive MX2+

Rear Mounted Power Assist Device