Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Purpose and method
The analysis considers how users propel a manual wheelchair along a straight trajectory when a path has cross slope. Maintaining that trajectory requires asymmetrical arm use. Simple mechanics is applied to forces acting on the wheelchair’s front casters on a compound slope, then used to assess how changing cross slope affects propulsion.
Reported effects
The analysis finds that cross slope has a relatively small effect on compound slopes, slightly reducing the equivalent running slope achievable for the same user effort. Its effect increases with steeper cross slope and is significant on paths with a small running slope. The source describes an analytical contribution rather than treatment recommendations.
Pushrim demands and weight distribution
For the specific wheelchair-user conditions examined, the estimated critical cross slope at zero running slope was 3%. A further increase requires braking on the upslope pushrim and places substantial propulsion effort on the downslope pushrim, which the analysis says can be fatiguing over long distances. Shifting weight toward the rear wheels minimises the impact. The authors propose better regulation of cross slope to improve outdoor path accessibility for manual wheelchair users.
