Article

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of stroke pattern on handrim biomechanics and
upper limb electromyography (EMG) in experienced wheelchair users. METHOD:
Subjects propelled their own wheelchair on a level, motor-driven treadmill using
each of four identified stroke patterns: arcing, double loop (DL), semi-circular
(SC) and single loop (SL).
Upper limb EMG and measurements taken from an
instrumented wheelchair wheel were compared for each pattern. A one-way ANOVA
with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05) was used to check for significant
differences. RESULTS: The DL and SC patterns produced the best overall results.
The DL pattern led to a significantly longer contact angle and significantly less
braking moment than the SL and arcing patterns, and a significantly lower cadence
than the SL pattern. The SC pattern led to a significantly longer contact angle
than the SL pattern and the lowest peak force and impact of any pattern. There
were no significant differences in integrated EMG (IEMG); however, the DL and
arcing patterns produced lower combined IEMG values. CONCLUSIONS: When traversing
level terrain, wheelchair users should push with either the DL or SC patterns.
Between the two, the DL pattern required less muscle activity and may be a better
choice for experienced wheelchair users.

Langue : ANGLAIS