A novel ergonomic wheelchair reduces bacterial hand contamination.

Conclusion: Separation of wheelchair hand rims from tyres significantly reduces bacterial hand contamination. Reduced hand contamination could decrease bacterial infections and dissemination of resistant bacteria, warranting further study.Implications for rehabilitationThe novel design of the ergonomic wheelchair, removing the push rim from proximity to the wheelchair tyre, keeps the hands of wheelchair users cleaner.The re-design of the standard manual wheelchair was implemented initially to improve shoulder ergonomics during manual wheelchair propulsion and has the added benefit of reduction in the transfer of bacteria from floors to hands for manual wheelchair users.Since the ergonomic wheelchair has the potential to decrease rates of bacterial infection in manual wheelchair users, further testing is warranted. PMID: 32620066 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology. - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol Source Type: research