Editorial: Wheeled Mobility Biomechanics

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2016 · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2016.00053 · Published: June 28, 2016

Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

For manual wheelchair users, upper extremities often bear the burden of mobility, leading to fatigue and musculoskeletal pain, especially in the shoulder. Shoulder pain and dysfunction can significantly limit independence, functional mobility, community participation, and overall quality of life for manual wheelchair users. Ergonomic studies suggest a link between repetitive tasks and upper extremity pain, highlighting the need to preserve shoulder function for manual wheelchair users.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Individuals who use manual wheelchairs

Evidence Level

Editorial

Key Findings

1
Acute changes to the shoulder's soft tissues occur after manual wheelchair propulsion under different workload settings, impacting shoulder joint kinetics.
2
Scapular motion analysis reveals potentially detrimental shoulder kinematics during common tasks performed by manual wheelchair users.
3
Upper extremity biomechanics in children and adolescents using manual wheelchairs show the greatest demand during starting tasks, differing from adult propulsion patterns.

Research Summary

This editorial highlights the importance of understanding the mechanical demands and performance techniques associated with manual wheelchair (MWC) use to gain insight into upper extremity loading consequences, predictors of pain onset and injury, and strategies to preserve functional mobility. The authors emphasize the need for personalized evidence-based strategies to preserve shoulder function, addressing ergonomics, equipment selection, performance techniques, and individual load-bearing capability. Individualized wheelchair prescriptions that match the user's functional capacity can improve comfort, self-propulsion efficiency, and prevent secondary problems, ultimately maximizing quality of life.

Practical Implications

Personalized Wheelchair Prescription

Clinicians should identify and configure wheelchair characteristics that meet the unique medical and functional needs of each manual wheelchair user.

Ergonomic Interventions

Implement strategies to reduce mechanical loads and muscular demands through ergonomics, wheelchair configuration, and environmental adaptations.

Preservation of Upper Limb Function

Focus on preserving shoulder function to maintain independence, functional mobility, and community participation for manual wheelchair users.

Study Limitations

1
The editorial nature of the article does not present original research findings.
2
Specific study durations and participant demographics are not detailed.
3
The recommendations are based on existing literature and expert opinion, lacking specific novel data.

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