HML product evaluation
Case study
Prototype testing – Neater Uni-Chair
The Neater Uni-Chair is a revolutionary new wheelchair developed by Neater Solutions in partnership with the Department of Health and the University of Brighton. The Uni-Chair is designed for stroke sufferers and hemiplegic patients, allowing people who have lost the use of one arm and one leg to propel the chair with their good arm and steer with their good leg.
The human movement laboratory conducted trials to test how efficiently disabled users could operate the Uni-Chair on an indoor circuit with a range of surfaces, carpet and wood flooring, a ramp, and a chicane of bollards. The laboratory's specialist indirect calorimetry equipment was used to record the heart rate and oxygen consumption of users. The study endorsed earlier results and indicated that users found the Uni-Chair easier to drive.*
"The University of Brighton played a crucial role in the development of the Neater Uni-Chair. The next crucial stage will be funding for the University of Brighton to carry out longer term trials to assess the clinical benefits of the Neater Uni-Chair." – Jon Michaelis BSc(Eng) CEng MIMechE, Managing Director, Neater Solutions Limited
* Mandy A, Lesley S (2009) Measures of Energy Expenditure and Comfort in an ESP wheelchair: A Controlled Trial using Hemiplegic Users Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, May; 4(3):137-142
