Effect of indoor wheelchair curling training on trunk control of person with chronic spinal cord injury: a randomised controlled trial

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2018 · DOI: 10.1038/s41394-018-0057-8 · Published: February 9, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Orthopedics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigated if indoor wheelchair curling training could improve trunk control in people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Thirteen participants were assessed using specific tests before and after eight indoor curling training sessions. The study found that while participants reported subjective improvements, objective measurements of trunk control did not show significant differences. However, most participants wanted to continue the training, and no adverse events were reported. The researchers concluded that indoor wheelchair curling is a safe activity for people with SCI and could be a good alternative to other sports used in rehabilitation. They suggest that future studies should include more participants and use more specific tests to better understand the effects of this training.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

13 subjects with chronic spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Level 1: Randomised, controlled, single-blind crossover design study

Key Findings

1
The modified functional reach test (MFRT) and nonlinear dynamic systems analysis (NDSA) did not show any significant differences in sitting stability after the curling training.
2
Participants subjectively reported improved physical feeling, an increase in their trunk control and strength, with 39% wanting to continue the training.
3
The study found a high attendance rate (95%) during the training sessions and reported no adverse events, indicating the safety and feasibility of indoor wheelchair curling for people with SCI.

Research Summary

This study aimed to determine the effect of indoor wheelchair curling training on trunk control in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The study used a randomised, controlled, single-blind crossover design. The primary outcome measures were the modified functional reach test (MFRT) and nonlinear dynamic systems analysis (NDSA). Thirteen participants completed eight indoor curling training sessions, and their trunk control was assessed before and after the training. While objective measurements showed no significant improvements in trunk control, participants reported subjective improvements in physical feeling, trunk control, and strength. The study concludes that indoor wheelchair curling is a safe and potentially beneficial activity for people with SCI.

Practical Implications

Safe Physical Activity

Indoor wheelchair curling can be considered a safe physical activity option for individuals with SCI, given the absence of reported adverse events during the study.

Alternative Sport in Rehabilitation

Wheelchair curling offers a suitable alternative to traditional sports used in rehabilitation programs for people with SCI, providing variety and potentially increasing motivation.

Potential Integration into Rehab Programs

The subjective improvements reported by participants, along with the high attendance rate, suggest that integrating wheelchair curling into rehabilitation programs could be beneficial for individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The use of suitable assessments was a limiting factor, as the MFRT may be too unspecific and the NDSA is not well-established for SCI patients.
2
The small sample size of 13 participants may have limited the ability to detect significant effects of wheelchair curling on trunk control.
3
Further studies with larger participant groups and more specific measurement methods are needed to confirm the potential benefits of wheelchair curling for improving trunk control in individuals with SCI.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury