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Ergonomic Handrims: The Solution for Optimal Wheelchair Propulsion Efficiency

  • Writer: Sean Taylor
    Sean Taylor
  • 6 days ago
  • 4 min read

Tips & Advise from Motion Composites


Wheelchair handrims are a significant component of a wheelchair prescription, specifically for an end user who is propelling their wheelchair by hand. The handrims are the only part of the wheelchair the user comes into direct contact with when propelling their wheelchair.

By Katerina Reppas-Rindlisbacher, MSc(OT), B.Ed - Published February 23rd, 2023



In fact, active wheelchair users are pushing their handrims approximately 2000-3000 times per day! This is why it is so important to select handrims that can enable optimal wheelchair propulsion efficiency and comfort when completing a wheelchair prescription.

Why choose an ergonomic handrim? - Evidence-Based Exploration

In studies that compared handrims with an ergonomic shape vs. the standard round metallic tube handrim, it was found that contact forces on the hand’s surface were reduced, pressure was more equally distributed on the hand’s surface, pain severity in the hand and wrist was decreased, and overall functional outcomes were improved when using an ergonomic handrim in comparison to a standard round metallic tube handrim. This benefits the end user, by increasing comfort during propulsion, decreasing risk for injury, and improving the overall quality of life. In studies that compared handrims with a high friction coating vs. a standard uncoated handrim, it was found that less finger and wrist flexor activity was required when using the high friction coated handrim compared to the standard uncoated handrim. This benefits the end user, as it increases muscle efficiency during propulsion, decreasing the risk for injury and enabling them to propel for longer distances and periods of time with feeling less fatigue and discomfort.


Therefore, based on the evidence available concerning handrims with an ergonomic design and a high friction coating material such as that offered by our new Omobic handrims, we can agree that they are clinically appropriate and can be beneficial for the end user.

At Motion Composites, we offer a wide selection of wheelchair handrims to meet our end user’s unique needs and individual preferences. That said, we would like to introduce our newest ergonomic handrim options: Omobic handrims - NOVA H, SIMI H, and OPTIMUM H. These Handrims are manufactured by a reputable supplier of wheelchair components and products from Denmark.




NOVA H

The NOVA H handrims are ergonomically designed with an ovular shape suitable to fit into the curvatures of the palm. They are made of black hard anodized aluminum and have a high friction silicone strip running down the center of the rim for added gripping benefits. The NOVA H handrims are suitable for individuals who require a high friction handrim with an ergonomic shape to enable propulsion efficiency due to limited hand function, decreased grip/hand strength, decreased range of motion, or decreased sensation. The NOVA H handrims are comparable to the Surge LT handrims.

Additional Information:

  • Tabs come with 2 position options (narrow and standard [added adjustability in the standard position due to the oblong hole])

  • Weight 1.3 lbs, Height 1.22”

  • Sizes 22”, 24”, 25”, 26”



SIMI H

The SIMI H handrims are ergonomically designed with an ovular shape suitable to fit into the curvatures of the palm. They are made of black hard anodized aluminum and have a high friction silicone strip running down the center of the rim for added gripping benefits. The SIMI H is larger in size than the NOVA H and offers a larger gripping surface and wider silicone strip. The SIMI H handrims are suitable for individuals who require a high friction handrim with a larger surface area and ergonomic shape to enable propulsion efficiency due to limited hand function, decreased grip/hand strength, decreased range of motion, or decreased sensation. The SIMI H handrims are comparable to the Surge handrims.

Additional Information:

  • Tabs come with 2 position options (narrow and standard [added adjustability in the standard position due to the oblong hole])

  • Weight 1.8 lbs, Height 1.34”

  • Sizes 22”, 24”, 25”, 26”



OPTIMUM H

The OPTIMUM H handrims are ergonomically designed with a heart shape suitable to fit into the curvatures of the palm. They are made of black hard anodized aluminum and have an indented groove running down the center of the rim for optimal thumb positioning. The OPTIMUM H handrims are suitable for individuals who require a handrim with an ergonomic shape to enable propulsion efficiency due to limited hand function, decreased hand strength, and hand/wrist pain.

The OPTIMUM H handrims are comparable to the Natural Fit.

Additional Information:

  • Tabs come with 2 position options (narrow and standard [added adjustability in the standard position due to the oblong hole])

  • Weight 0.8 lbs, Height 1.10”

  • Sizes 22”, 24”, 25”, 26”



Aspects to consider when selecting wheelchair handrims:

Handrim selection may seem like a straightforward component of a wheelchair prescription; however, with so many handrim options available, how do we choose the most appropriate for the end user? Seating therapists should consider a few aspects when selecting wheelchair handrims: the end user’s needs, function, environment, day-to-day activities, and current evidence. We hope that the information in this reading helps you make the best decision when choosing your wheelchair handrims.

Handrim Clinical Justification


See info below :




CLIENT IMPAIRMENTS/ ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS

  • Grip weakness

  • Hand weakness

  • Limited hand function

  • Hand paralysis/paresis

  • Decreased hand/UE sensation Limited ROM in fingers to grasp

  • Limited muscle efficiency

  • Hand/finger abnormalities


PROPERTY RECOMMENDATION

High Friction Handrim



BRAND/MODEL AVAILABLE

Newton Air Grip

Plastic Coated

Surge Surge LT

SIMI H

NOVA H



CLIENT IMPAIRMENTS/ ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS

  • Larger grip/grasp surface

  • Larger hand size

  • Improved comfort for user in grasping handrim

  • Hand/wrist pain/UE discomfort

  • Energy conservation (decreasing peak muscle activation)

PROPERTY RECOMMENDATION

Larger Surface Area

BRAND/MODEL AVAILABLE

  • Surge

  • Surge LT

  • Natural Fit

  • SIMI H

  • NOVA H



CLIENT IMPAIRMENTS/ ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS

  • Hand/wrist pain/UE discomfort

  • Better distribution of pressure and forces throughout user’s hand


PROPERTY RECOMMENDATION

Ergonomic


BRAND/MODEL AVAILABLE

  • Natural Fit

  • Optimum H

  • SIMI H

  • NOVA H


CLIENT IMPAIRMENTS/ ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS

  • Limited UE strength

  • Limited muscle efficiency

  • Smaller hand size


PROPERTY RECOMMENDATION

Lightest Weight

BRAND/MODEL AVAILABLE

  • Aluminum anodized (standard hand function)

  • Newton Air Grip (high friction)

  • OPTIMUM H (ergonomic)







 
 
 

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