The impact of trunk impairment on performance of wheelchair activities with a focus on wheelchair court sports: a systematic review

Sports Medicine - Open, 2015 · DOI: 10.1186/s40798-015-0013-0 · Published: February 16, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

This study systematically reviews existing research on how trunk (torso) impairments affect the ability to perform wheelchair activities, especially in sports like wheelchair rugby, basketball, and tennis. The review analyzes studies that compare wheelchair users with different levels of trunk impairment, or compare wheelchair users to able-bodied individuals, focusing on activities like reaching, balance, and acceleration. The goal is to gather evidence that can improve the classification systems used in paralympic sports, ensuring fair competition by properly accounting for the impact of trunk impairments.

Study Duration

1950- November 2014

Participants

Experienced wheelchair users and able-bodied persons

Evidence Level

Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Key Findings

1
Able-bodied individuals can reach further than those with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
2
In perturbations, able-bodied persons maintain balance, whereas persons with SCI lose balance.
3
No difference was found in acceleration between persons with partial trunk muscle strength and persons with full trunk muscle strength.

Research Summary

This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the impact of trunk impairment on wheelchair activities in court sports. Identified studies were observational, defining trunk impairment based on SCI lesion level. Evidence indicates that able-bodied persons reach further forward than persons with SCI. Differences in forward reaching between SCI levels were conflicting. The review highlights the need for a trunk impairment test including trunk muscle strength, coordination, and range of motion, alongside standardized wheelchair activity tests.

Practical Implications

Classification Improvement

Findings can inform and improve classification systems in wheelchair sports, ensuring fairness in competition.

Rehabilitation Strategies

Highlights key areas (reach, balance) to target in rehabilitation programs for wheelchair users with trunk impairments.

Equipment Optimization

Encourages further research into the impact of equipment (belts, wheelchair setup) on performance to optimize assistive devices.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of studies and small sample sizes.
2
Heterogeneity in trunk impairment definitions and outcome measures across studies.
3
Most studies focused on individuals with SCI, limiting generalizability to other populations with trunk impairments.

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