Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea (대한인간공학회지)

Ergonomics Society of Korea (대한인간공학회)
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Effects of Ramp Slope and Height on Usability and Physiology during Wheelchair Driving

경사로의 기울기와 높이에 따른 휠체어 사용자의 사용성 및 생리적 특성 분석

  • Kim, Chung-Sik (Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, POSTECH) ;
  • Lee, Dong-Hun (Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, POSTECH) ;
  • Lee, Jee-Hea (Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, POSTECH) ;
  • Kwon, Sung-Hyuk (Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, POSTECH) ;
  • Chung, Min-K. (Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, POSTECH)
  • 김충식 (포항공과대학교 산업경영공학과) ;
  • 이동훈 (포항공과대학교 산업경영공학과) ;
  • 이지혜 (포항공과대학교 산업경영공학과) ;
  • 권성혁 (포항공과대학교 산업경영공학과) ;
  • 정민근 (포항공과대학교 산업경영공학과)
  • Received : 2010.05.29
  • Accepted : 2010.07.12
  • Published : 2010.08.31
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Abstract

Although the height of a ramp is an important design element, it has not been considered in prior studies. Therefore, in this study, the ramp slope and height are considered as independent variables. To analyze the effects of the slope and height, five levels of slope (1:6, 1:8, 1:10, 1:12 and 1:14) and three levels of height (15cm, 30cm and 45cm) are considered. For the dependent variables, the total time, velocity and perceived discomfort were considered as usability measures, pulse rate changes and EMG signals of four related muscles (extensor carpi radialis, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid and posterior deltoid) were considered as physiology measures. As a result, differences among usability and physiological characteristic for the five slopes increased as the height increased. Additionally, slope effects were minor when the height was low (15cm). Almost domestic/international regulations and guidelines related to ramp recommended 1:12 slope for the ramp design, however, there was no significant difference between 1:10 and 1:12 according to result of this study. In addition, slope effects were minor at a low height; thus, a slope of 1:8 can be recommended if the installation space for a gentler ramp is not sufficient.

Keywords

References

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