Effect of different hand positions on trunk and shoulder kinematics and reaction forces in sitting pivot transfer

J. Phys. Ther. Sci., 2015 · DOI: · Published: July 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

The study investigates how different hand positions affect the movement of the trunk and shoulder during a sitting pivot transfer (SPT). SPT is a common method used by individuals with spinal cord injuries. Researchers compared trunk and shoulder angles, as well as reaction forces, when subjects performed SPT with their hands at the same height as the seat and lower than the seat. The aim was to identify hand positions that minimize stress on the shoulder joint, potentially reducing pain and preventing complications for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

18 unimpaired adult males

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Lower hand positions during SPT led to significant increases in trunk flexion and lateral flexion, while trunk rotation decreased.
2
Lower hand positions resulted in increased shoulder flexion and altered anterior/posterior and lateral forces on the hands.
3
Placing hands lower than the seat during SPT may offer biomechanical advantages, potentially making the transfer safer and more effective.

Research Summary

The study aimed to analyze shoulder and trunk movements at different hand heights during sitting pivot transfer (SPT) to inform safer transfer methods for patients with spinal cord injuries. Results indicated that lower hand positions led to increased trunk flexion, potentially aiding hip lifting and reducing forces on the shoulder joint during SPT. The findings suggest that using a lower hand position during SPT may offer biomechanical advantages, reducing vertical reaction forces and shear forces on the shoulder.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

The lower hand position can be recommended as an effective and safe method for sitting pivot transfer by patients with spinal cord injury.

Wheelchair Design

The results can be utilized as reference data when considering the appropriate heights of aids for wheelchairs.

Injury Prevention

Understanding the biomechanics of different hand positions can aid in developing strategies to reduce shoulder pain and prevent complications in spinal cord injury patients.

Study Limitations

1
The experiment was not conducted with spinal cord injury patients with shoulder pain.
2
Data were not obtained through measurements in actual transfer environments, but were obtained in a laboratory setting.
3
The experiment was conducted with only healthy male, the results cannot be generalized to both sexes.

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