• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of simulation evacuation training improvement activity through wheelchair skill training. Methods: The study included 40 patients with early stroke who were randomly allocated to a wheelchair skill training group (Experimental group, n=20) and a general exercise group (Control group, n=20). Both groups performed the exercise 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using Wheelchair Skills Test Skills Performance (WSTSP), Wheelchair Skills Test Skills Safety (WSTSS) and Wheelchair Propulsion Velocity (WPV). Results: After 3 weeks of training, both groups showed significantly improved WSTSP, WSTSS and WPV (p<.01 in both groups). However, the WSTSP, WSTSS and WPV in the experimental group were very significantly better than in the control group (p<.01). Conclusion: These findings indicate that wheelchair skill training may be effective at improving wheelchair skill ability and wheelchair propulsion velocity in stroke patients who cannot walk independently. Therefore, short-term wheelchair skill training could be useful for patient safety in simulated evacuation situations.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.55-58
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• 2016

PURPOSE: This study was measured the differences in the flexor and extensor muscle activities of the elbow joints based on the tire pressure of wheelchairs during propulsion, investigating the optimal tire pressure for improving occupants' propulsion and avoiding related injury. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers (10 men aged $23.1{\pm}1.9years$, weight: $67.9{\pm}3.4kg$, height: $175.1{\pm}2.7cm$) took part in the study. The mean values used in the statistical process were obtained from values measured while a subject sitting on a wheelchair propelled himself forward for 10 meters on a flat floor at maximum speed. The tire pressure of the wheelchairs was set at 100 psi, 50 psi, and 25 psi. All of the subjects performed wheelchair propulsion for each pressure. This study was measured the activation of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscles on the dominant side during wheelchair propulsion. The measured data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) via the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 12.0 for Windows to compare the muscle activity. RESULTS: The muscle activities of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii were significant differences between each pressure group. The post hoc test found statistically significant differences between 100 psi and 50 psi and 100 psi and 25 psi for the biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscles, respectively. CONCLUSION: The maintaining proper tire pressure in a wheelchair may help to prevent overuse syndrome in the occupant's elbow joints.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.26-32
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• 2005

This study was purposed to provide basic information on the correct application of a wheelchair's backrest angle by investigating the change in cardiopulmonary function according to backrest angle during propulsion. This study examined the effects of the wheelchair's backrest angle on the cardiopulmonary function by varying the angle to $0^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$ and $20^{\circ}$ with a propulsion velocity of 60 m/min. The experimental parameters were respiration rate, oxygen consumption rate and oxygen consumption rate/kg which were measured by a portable wireless oxygen consumption meter (COSMED, $K4b^2$). The results of the study were as follows: 1) There were no statistically significant differences in respiration rates due to changes in the wheelchair backrest angle (p>.05). 2) There were statistically significant differences in oxygen consumption rates due to changes in the wheelchair backrest angle (p<.05). 3) There were also statistically significant differences in the oxygen consumption rate/kg due to changes in the wheelchair backrest angle (p<.05). In conclusion, changes in the backrest angle of wheelchairs during propulsion influences oxygen consumption rates and heart rates, while respiration rates are not affected. Therefore, a training program for good seating and posture needs to be provided, and the wheelchair seating system should be equipped with the unadjustable-angle wheelchair to reduce the functional load on the cardiopulmonary system.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.152-160
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of elastic band based of PNF pattern on the U/E function in the spinal cord injury patient. 11 subjects with spinal cord injury participated in this study. They took elastic band excercise 5 times per week for 8 weeks. One time excercise spent 35minutes. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by Cybex 6000, BTE Work Simulator, how many seconds they needed to walk 100 meters. 11 cases were examined before, after 8 week, elastic band excercise. The results of this study are as follows; 1. Isokinetic power by Cybex 6000 : The elbow flexion, shoulder flexion and extension were significant difference between test-retest(p<.05). but elbow extension were not significant difference between test-retest. 2. BTE Work Simulator : Wheelchair Propulsion and Steering Torque were significant difference between test-retest(p<.05). 3. Wheelchair Propulsion velocity : There were significant difference between test-retest(p<.05). The findings suggest that SCI patients can improve their Isokinetic power on shoulder and elbow joint, wheelchair propulsion and Steering Torque by BTE Work Simulator, Wheelchair Propulsion velocity through elastic band based of PNF pattern.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2013.05a
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• pp.1461-1462
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• 2013

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.9-13
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• 2022

Electric wheelchairs, the output from the motor is mainly applied to a speed reducer using a power transmission device such as a belt or a chain. However, although a speed reducer using a belt or chain is a simple device, it occupies a lot of space and has a space limitation, so it is not suitable for an electric wheelchair driving part. However, since the speed reducer of the planetary gear type is decelerated on the same axis, the volume can be reduced, so the space constraint is less than that of the belt or chain type reducer. Therefore, in this study, a driving part that can obtain great propulsion with a speed reducer using a planetary gear type was developed through a study on the driving part of a wheelchair that can be switched between manual and electric. Accordingly, the tooth shape of the planetary gear applied to the reducer was designed using the Kisssoft program. In addition, the drive part was designed to be applicable to the existing wheelchair wheels, and the mechanism was optimized for the manual/electric switching principle and operation principle of the drive part. Based on the research contents, the final design and manufacture of the wheelchair reducer drive unit in the form of a planetary gear having one sun gear, two planetary gears and one ring gear was carried out.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.525-531
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• 2023

In Korea, which is entering a super-aged society, the number of elderly patients who have difficulty walking independently is expected to increase rapidly, and it is necessary to develop wheelchair products with various functions to improve the quality of life of people with walking disabilities. Recently, wheelchair power assist devices that provide propulsion power by being attached to a manual wheelchair has been developed and is entering the domestic and global markets. In this study, we compared and analyzed the process of obtaining medical device certification for wheelchair power assist devices in Korea, the United States, and Europe. In Korea, a Class 2 medical device certification process was developed in 2021, and in the US FDA, it corresponds to Class 2 like the existing electric wheelchair and must pass the 510k certification process. In the case of Europe, it is uniquely regulated as Class I, and the CE mark can be attached through a relatively easy self-declaration of conformity. The Korean medical device industry, which is struggling with MDR certification, a new European medical device regulation, should pay attention to the relatively easy entry into the global market for wheelchair power assist products.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.215-227
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to investigate propulsive time and kinematic variables on the three different kinds of the basketball wheelchairs in each play position for eight abled basketball wheelchair players. Kinematic data were collected by a video camera for two-dimensional analysis. The wheelchairs for the guard position showed the fastest in total propulsive time. The wheelchairs for the center position revealed the slowest in the phase of the change of the direction. The wheelchair for the guard position which shows fast movement velocity demonstrated closer hand contact with TDC(Top Dead Center). The wheelchair for the center position revealed the largest extension of the elbow and flexion of the trunk at handrim contact. The wheelchair for the guard position which has the lowest seat height presented larger elbow angle and trunk angle. The wheelchair for the guard position produced more fast trunk angular velocity than the wheelchair for other positions.

• Proceedings of the KIPE Conference
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• 2013.07a
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• pp.212-213
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• 2013

This paper proposes the algorithm of torque distribution in the electric wheel-chair using 2D joystick for drive safety. For the accurate driving performance, the specific and precise torque distribution is required in both wheels depending on signals of X-Y axis that is generated from 2D joystick. The signals of X-Y axis from joystick are transformed into the propulsion force and the torque reference. And the torque reference can be generated through the dynamic model of wheel-chair. The optimal dynamic characteristics of the electric powered wheelchair can be obtained, by adjusting the sensitivity coefficients of propulsion force and torque reference, In addition, the system takes smooth and stable control characteristics due to continuous torque output at all directions of joystick. The several simulations verify the usefulness of the proposed algorithm about torque distribution.