Wheel Chairs Used In Sports

Introduction

Sport wheelchairs are designed for the professional sport and dancing. These strollers are made to order with all the features of the proposed operation. It uses heavy-duty materials to withstand extreme load sport (Tolfrey 36). Sports wheelchairs weigh much less than the standard basic wheelchair (8-14,5 kg). This ease is achieved through the frame of the special light alloy, reduced diameter front wheels specially machined back and armrests minimum.

Discussion

Basketball, rugby, and tennis are common court wheelchair sports. The wheelchairs used for these sports have structures that are similar with everyday wheelchairs but are equipped with sport-specific features (Steadward 26). Certain athletic characteristics among these sports are similar, such as speed, agility, and stability, and thus the wheelchairs for these sports share basic principles for equipment selection, setup, and training.

Frame

The frame is the key to the shape and dimensions of a wheelchair. Frames consist of various metals, designs, and components. The choice of materials, frame design, and components has a great effect on weight and strength (Savitz 36).

Weight

Studies have shown that athletes prefer ultra light wheelchairs because they can push at higher speeds, travel longer distances, and propel using less force. In competitive sport, using a lighter wheelchair is essential because the chair has less inertia (resistance to acceleration) and therefore is easier to accelerate and turn. Lighter weight also makes it easier to lift a wheelchair into a vehicle (Tolfrey 38). Thus, manual wheelchair users should use a wheelchair as light in weight as possible to help preserve upper-limb function (Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, 2005). Manufacturers use materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio to build wheelchairs. Titanium, aluminum, and chromium-molybdenum steel are the most common materials used for sport wheelchairs.

Strength

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards test impact, static, and fatigue strength to reveal the quality and durability of wheelchairs. However, manufacturers are not required to publish their test results. Studies from independent laboratories have shown that the quality of wheelchairs is not always as good as their manufacturers claim. Some models failed prematurely during fatigue tests (Paciorek 69). However, there are multiple design and manufacturing factors that can affect the strength and durability of n wheelchair, such as welding location and quality, frame and tubing geometry, screw locations, and caster sizes. Wheelchairs designed specifically for sport use are not currently covered by the ISO standards, but the ISO test methods may still serve as a useful guide. Because sports can place high demands on a wheelchair, some people modify their chairs to meet their personal needs. Any modification to the frame nay affects strength and durability (Tolfrey 40). Many manufacturers offer customization services to meet this need. Rugby wheelchairs are known for their aggressive modifications to sustain heavy impacts and crashes during competitions. They usually have fully welded joints and axles and reinforced metal guards. Some wheelchair manufacturers sponsor elite athletes and build them customized chairs. Titanium and aluminum are commonly used in sport wheelchairs because of their high strength-to-weight ...