CHALLENGE

In 2009 MOD and the Defence Medical Research Centre (DMRC) Headley Court challenged industry to come up with innovative ideas and share current research and developments in these areas. Frazer-Nash Consultancy were quick to recognise the opportunity to adapt some of their work supporting Paralympic athletes for medical rehabilitation.

We developed, with UK Sport an instrumented wheel to help elite wheelchair Paralympians improve their performance.  Named the Powerwheel, the instrument measures the driving force put into the push rim by the user.  We are now adapting the Powerwheel principles and applying them to the wheelchair design for injured servicemen.

SOLUTION

The new wheel works by measuring data using a load sensing element, which is transmitted wirelessly to a mini-computer.  The data is interpreted, displayed and stored on the computer, enabling the information to be analysed during the effort and post-event. 

BENEFITS

The users will gain immediate feedback on the effort they are putting in.  Physiotherapists and clinicians will be able to use the more detailed information to build their knowledge base, which will help to inform on best practice for the users’ training regime and techniques to minimise secondary injuries from wheelchair use.

As one of the UK’s largest independent systems and engineering consultancies with over 350 employees, and a turnover of £30 million, we also have one of our seven offices in Dorking conveniently near to DMRC Headley Court.