The Effects of Wheelchair Camber on Physiological and Perceptual Responses in Younger and Older Men

Abstract

This study examined the effects of 0, 4, and 8 degrees camber on the physiological and perceptual responses in younger (19-44 years) and older (45-74 years) sedentary, able-bodied men propelling a wheelchair at 2 kmh. Physiological and perceptual (rating of perceived exertion, RPE) responses were monitored using standardized procedures. Significant increases (p < .05) in oxygen uptake, ventilation rate, and heart rate were observed with increasing camber angle. These values were not significantly (p > .05) different between age groups. Central and peripheral RPE was unchanged as a result of camber angle in either group. Central RPE was significantly higher (p < .05) for the older participants at a camber angle of 8 degrees. It was concluded that the physiological stress increases with camber angle during manual wheelchair propulsion at 2 kmh in younger and older men. The higher perceptual stress in older participants could be due to performance at a higher percentage of their maximum physiological capacity.