SHOULDER DEMANDS IN MANUAL WHEELCHAIR USERS ACROSS A SPECTRUM OF ACTIVITIES

J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2010 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2009.02.001 · Published: February 1, 2010

Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the forces and movements at the shoulder joint during different activities performed by manual wheelchair users. The research looks at typical daily activities such as moving on level ground, going up ramps, starting and stopping, and performing weight relief maneuvers. By measuring these forces and movements, the study aims to understand the demands placed on the shoulder during daily wheelchair use.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

12 experienced manual wheelchair users

Evidence Level

Case series

Key Findings

1
Weight relief resulted in significantly higher forces compared to other activities.
2
Ramp propulsion led to significantly higher moments at the shoulder joint.
3
Starting propulsion resulted in large intersegmental moments, similar to ramp propulsion.

Research Summary

This study provides a characterization of daily living and mobility activities associated with manual wheelchair propulsion. It identifies activities that result in higher shoulder kinetics compared to standard level propulsion. The findings highlight the significant shoulder demands during weight relief, ramp propulsion, and starting propulsion.

Practical Implications

Identifying High-Risk Activities

The study identifies weight relief, ramp propulsion, and starting propulsion as high-risk activities for shoulder injury in manual wheelchair users.

Informing Intervention Strategies

The characterization of shoulder demands can inform the development of targeted interventions to reduce shoulder pain and injury.

Guiding Wheelchair Prescription

Understanding the impact of different activities on shoulder kinetics can help guide wheelchair prescription and training to minimize shoulder strain.

Study Limitations

1
The clinical interpretation made from model-estimated intersegmental forces and moments calculated from inverse dynamics is limited.
2
There was a small sample number.
3
This study presented only on shoulder kinetics.

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