Langbein W E, Fehr L
Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL 60141.
J Rehabil Res Dev. 1993;30(4):436-42.
This paper describes the evolution of the Wheelchair Aerobic Fitness Trainer (WAFT), a wheelchair ergometer developed for determination of aerobic capacity and the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in lower limb disabled persons whose mobility depends primarily on the manual wheelchair. The device was originally developed for use in research studies to determine peak exercise capacity in persons with spinal cord injuries and other lower limb disabilities and to formulate associated graded exercise stress test protocols. In subsequent research, the device was incorporated into a specially designed testing station for the detection of coronary artery disease in persons who cannot adequately undergo treadmill or cycle ergometry testing because of lower limb disabilities. Based on the usefulness of the device for both rehabilitation and diagnostic purposes, the WAFT has been brought into the technology transfer process of the Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Service. Under a contract with Packer Engineering, Inc., Naperville, IL, development of a preproduction version of the device and six units for field evaluation has commenced. The preproduction prototype of the WAFT has incorporated numerous improvements over the original device and promises to expand the potential for future research, rehabilitation, and diagnostic applications.
本文描述了轮椅有氧健身训练器（WAFT）的发展历程。WAFT是一种轮椅测力计，专为测定有氧能力以及诊断主要依靠手动轮椅行动的下肢残疾人的冠状动脉疾病而开发。该设备最初是为研究而开发的，用于确定脊髓损伤患者和其他下肢残疾者的峰值运动能力，并制定相关的分级运动应激测试方案。在随后的研究中，该设备被纳入一个专门设计的测试站，用于检测因下肢残疾而无法充分进行跑步机或自行车测力计测试的人群中的冠状动脉疾病。基于该设备在康复和诊断方面的实用性，WAFT已进入美国退伍军人事务部康复研究与发展服务局的技术转让流程。根据与伊利诺伊州内珀维尔市的Packer Engineering公司签订的合同，已开始开发该设备的预生产版本以及六个用于现场评估的装置。WAFT的预生产原型在原始设备的基础上进行了多项改进，并有望扩大未来研究、康复和诊断应用的潜力。
