Print Email Facebook Twitter Skill acquisition of manual wheelchair propulsion: Initial motor learning Title Skill acquisition of manual wheelchair propulsion: Initial motor learning Author Vegter, R.J.K. Lamoth, C.J. Veeger, H.E.J. De Groot, S. Van der Woude, L.H.V. Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering Department Biomechanical Engineering Date 2011-12-15 Abstract Changes in propulsion technique due to motor learning might account for a higher mechanical efficiency (ME, the ratio of internal power over external power). The changes in ME and propulsion technique were studied in a learning experiment, three times a week for eight minutes, with nine able-bodied subjects, simulating early rehabilitation. Instrumented wheels measured three-dimensional forces and torques on the handrim. During practice peak torques were reduced, work per cycle increased, while push frequency decreased, at a stable power output and speed of the treadmill. Over the three weeks of practice propulsion technique kept changing in combination with an increase of ME. Results suggest skill acquisition because of motor learning. The rise in ME seems logically related to propulsion technique, but is not yet fully understood. More insight in motor learning and skill acquisition will contribute to understanding and optimizing rehabilitation strategies in the light of wheelchair provision in early rehabilitation. To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:37411804-13fa-4e3b-94ed-1903741625ef DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/20110100093 Publisher EDP Sciences Source BIO Web of Conferences 1, 00093 (2011), The International Conference SKILLS 2011 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type conference paper Rights (c) 2011 Vegter, R.J.K.Lamoth, C.J.Veeger, H.E.J.De Groot, S.Van der Woude, L.H.V. Files PDF bioconf_skills_00093.pdf 168.51 KB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:37411804-13fa-4e3b-94ed-1903741625ef/datastream/OBJ/view