Biomechanics of pediatric manual wheelchair mobility

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2015 · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00137 · Published: September 10, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study examines the biomechanics of manual wheelchair use in children with spinal cord injury (SCI). It looks at how their bodies move and the forces exerted during activities like starting, stopping, and moving forward. The research uses motion capture technology and special wheels to measure movements, forces, and moments at the joints of the upper body. The goal is to understand the demands placed on these joints during different wheelchair tasks. The findings aim to improve wheelchair prescription, training, and long-term care for children with SCI by providing clinicians with a better understanding of the biomechanics involved in their mobility.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

14 children with spinal cord injury (SCI)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Joint demands differ significantly among functional tasks, with the starting task placing the greatest demands on the shoulder.
2
Propulsion was significantly different from starting and stopping at all joints.
3
The study identified multiple stroke patterns used by children, including some not typically seen in adults.

Research Summary

This study provides a unique characterization of joint dynamics and clinical outcomes during pediatric manual wheelchair propulsion, start, and stop tasks. Propulsion, starting, and stopping tasks during manual wheelchair use were significantly different biomechanically. Starting a wheelchair appears to be the most demanding task on the upper extremity, while stopping appears to be the least demanding task.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation planning

Clinicians should consider all functional tasks (propulsion, starting, stopping) when planning rehabilitation treatment and longer-term mobility strategies for pediatric manual wheelchair users.

Customized rehabilitation

Pediatric manual wheelchair users with SCI are different from adult manual wheelchair users and require rehabilitation tailored to their specific needs.

Stroke Pattern Training

Further research is warranted to determine if pediatric subjects should be trained differently than adults in terms of stroke patterns. It may be beneficial for pediatric subjects to use different stroke patterns than adults as well as a variety of stroke patterns to decrease pain and risk of injury over the lifespan.