A wheelchair is a wheeled mobility device in which the user sits. The device is propelled either manually, by turning the wheels by the hand/ via various automated systems. In Indian scenario, patients with different injuries due to musculoskeletal or neurological pathology are using wheel chair with different structures without knowing its importance, purpose and efficiency. Also in current status in Indian scenario no study has been done and in other words, least importance has been given to the need of wheelchair. This study will create an effectiveness of wheelchairs according to high sale and low cost availability in Indian market with respect to its effect on different human system parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate. Method: The study involves three types of wheelchairs commonly used by the patients in India-Non-folding standard wheelchair, Light weight folding wheelchair, Commode wheelchair with inclined seat. 30 subjects were taken. Subjects were made to drive wheel chair for a distance of 40 meters. Pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, VAS, rate of perceived exertion was measured before and after driving and results was estimated.Conclusion: There are significant changes in different parameters of wheelchairs like heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, pain rating and rate of perceived exertion while driving a wheelchair. And also there is significant relation between different parameters of wheelchairs. The study indicated that light weight folding wheelchair should be recommended to the patients with neurological or musculo-skeletal injuries.

Key words: wheelchair, physiological cost index, cardio-respiratory fitness