Biomechanical analysis of wheelchair athletes with paraplegia during cross-training exercises

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1928868 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how wheelchair athletes move during common CrossFit exercises. Researchers measured the movement of the upper body joints to see if these exercises could put athletes at risk of injury. The study found that some exercises require large joint motions that could potentially lead to injury in wheelchair users.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Three male wheelchair athletes with paraplegia

Evidence Level

Observational study

Key Findings

1
Wheelchair athletes may be exposed to potentially injurious positions during common ECP exercises, demanding extreme shoulder and/or wrist flexion and extension, abduction, and external rotation.
2
The sledgehammer swing required the greatest thorax range of motion, indicating the need for significant trunk control.
3
The overhead press required the greatest magnitude of GH abduction, but places the hand above the shoulder which is not recommended.

Research Summary

This study characterized the upper extremity joint kinematics of wheelchair athletes performing exercises commonly prescribed as part of extreme conditioning programs (ECPs). The results suggest that certain positions during cross-training exercises may increase the risk of upper extremity injury in wheelchair athletes due to demanding joint motions. The study emphasizes the importance of proper exercise coaching and prescription, particularly during the performance of ECPs, to mitigate injury risk and promote safe participation in cross-training activities for wheelchair users.

Practical Implications

Improved Clinical Guidelines

The quantitative findings may lead to improved clinical guidelines for prescription and training of exercise regimens, particularly involving ECPs, for wheelchair users.

Injury Prevention

Awareness of potentially injurious positions during common ECP exercises can help in developing strategies to reduce or prevent injury through proper technique and exercise selection.

Personalized Exercise Prescription

Understanding the kinematic demands of different exercises can inform personalized exercise prescriptions tailored to individual capabilities and limitations, considering factors like SCI level and trunk control.

Biomechanical analysis of wheelchair athletes with paraplegia during cross-training exercises

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Clinical Guidelines

Injury Prevention

Personalized Exercise Prescription

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Biomechanical analysis of wheelchair athletes with paraplegia during cross-training exercises

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improved Clinical Guidelines

Injury Prevention

Personalized Exercise Prescription

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?