ABSTRACT
Various authors have examined the physiological and metabolic responses to wheelchair propulsion on a motorised treadmill (Gass and Camp, 1984; Lakomy et al., 1987; McConnell et al., 1989; Pohlman et al., 1989; Campbell, 1992, Hartung et al., 1993; Rasche et al., 1993). In addition several studies have also been concerned with the effects of wheelchair design upon cardiorespiratory responses and propulsion techniques, whilst pushing on a motorised treadmill (Veeger et al., 1988; Woude et al., 1988; Woude et al., 1988b; Veeger et al., 1989). Typically these studies have employed low propulsion speeds and a standardised wheelchair. However, there is a need from both a physiological and technical standpoint, to examine the physiological and wheelchair propulsion techniques at race speeds with athletes using their own racing chair.
