Relationship between the duration and trunk inclination and hip angle during car transfer in individuals with tetraplegia

J. Phys. Ther. Sci., 2016 · DOI: · Published: September 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how trunk and hip movements relate to the time it takes for individuals with tetraplegia to transfer from a wheelchair to a car seat. The study found that the angle of hip flexion was correlated with the speed of transfer, suggesting that a greater hip flexion angle is associated with a shorter transfer time. The researchers suggest that controlling trunk inclination, such as by placing the legs in the car, influences the pelvis tilt and contributes to smoother car transfers for individuals with C6 tetraplegia.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

11 adult males with C6 tetraplegia

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
No correlation was found between the trunk inclination angle and the duration of the car transfer movement.
2
A significant correlation was found between the hip angle and duration (ρ=0.67, p<0.05).
3
The duration was short when the extent of hip flexion was substantial.

Research Summary

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the duration of the car transfer (CT) movement and trunk inclination and hip angles during this movement in individuals with tetraplegia. No correlation was found between the trunk inclination angle and the duration of CT movement. However, a significant correlation was observed between the hip angle and duration (ρ=0.67, p<0.05). The trunk inclination angle probably showed no effect on the duration of the CT movement because the movement was performed in a limited space and because the trunk muscles of the subjects were paralyzed.

Practical Implications

Efficient Transfer Techniques

Encourages the use of techniques that promote greater hip flexion during car transfers for individuals with tetraplegia.

Environmental Adaptations

Highlights the importance of considering the limited space inside a car when developing transfer strategies.

Pelvic Tilt Importance

Suggests that controlling trunk inclination to influence pelvic tilt can improve car transfer efficiency.

Study Limitations

1
The CT movement was examined in a limited space, and the differences in the cars and wheelchairs used by the subjects were not taken into consideration.
2
The experimental conditions were not fixed, and the subjects were allowed to select their own strategy for CT movement.
3
The motions of the CT movement, including rotational motion, were examined by two-dimensional analysis.

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