Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology,
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA | University of Michigan Transportation Research
Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA | Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh
School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Patricia Karg, University of Pittsburgh,
6425 Penn Ave, Suite 401. Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA. Tel.: +1 412 624 6207;
E-mail: tkarg@pitt.edu
Abstract: Questions are often raised about whether the use of postural support
devices while seated in a wheelchair during travel in a motor vehicle can have
potential benefits or result in harm. The benefits or harm are generally
unknown as current crash-test dummies are not designed to evaluate postural
supports, and there are little to no injury data for these devices in the
motor-vehicle environment. Despite these limitations, guidelines and best
practices can be developed for use of postural support devices during travel in
a motor vehicle using basic principles of occupant protection and knowledge
about injury biomechanics. This document presents guidelines and
recommendations for postural support devices used on wheelchairs that also
serve as seats in motor vehicles. It addresses the basic principles of safe
transportation for wheelchair-seated occupants and provides guidelines and
recommendations for use of specific devices during transportation.
Keywords: Wheelchair, transportation, safety, postural support devices
