Influence of wheelchair user interface and personal characteristics on static and dynamic pretibial skin pressures in elite wheelchair racers, a pilot study

This study looks at what factors might increase the risk of skin breakdown on the shins of wheelchair racers. The researchers measured the pressure between the athlete's shin and the kneeling plate of their wheelchair, both while sitting still and while actively racing. The study considered factors like the angle of the kneeling plate, the athlete's classification (which indicates trunk control), age, sex, BMI, duration of disability and sensation in the lower extremities. The study found that a more vertical kneeling plate angle and less trunk function were associated with increased pressure on the shins. Also, surprisingly, longer duration of disability was associated with lower pressures.

• 1
  Increased kneeling plate angle was moderately associated with dynamic pressures, meaning a more vertical angle leads to higher pressure during racing.
• 2
  T53 athletes (less trunk function) utilized more vertical kneeling angles and experienced larger average and peak pressures during propulsion.
• 3
  Duration of disability was negatively associated with all measures of pressure, suggesting that athletes with longer experience may have adapted to reduce pressure.