Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether differences in propulsion technique as a function
of intraindividual variability occur as a result of shoulder pain and physical
activity (PA) level in full-time manual wheelchair users (MWUs). DESIGN:
Observational study.
SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (N=14)
with spinal cord injury (mean age: 30.64+/-11.08) who used a wheelchair for >80%
of daily ambulation and were free of any condition that could be worsened by PA.
INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PA level was measured using
the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD),
and shoulder pain was measured using the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index
(WUSPI) survey. Mean and intraindividual variability propulsion metrics were
measured for propulsion analysis. RESULTS: WUSPI scores indicated participants
experienced low levels of shoulder pain. The results of the Spearman rank-order
correlation revealed that PASIPD scores were significantly related to mean
contact angle (rs=-.57) and stroke frequency (rs=.60) as well as to coefficient
of variation of peak force (rs=.63), peak torque (rs=.59), contact angle
(rs=.73), and stroke frequency (rs=.60). WUSPI scores were significantly
correlated with only mean peak force (P=.02). No significant correlations were
observed between PASIPD, WUSPI, and body mass index scores. CONCLUSIONS:
Differences in propulsion technique were observed on the basis of PA levels.
Participants with higher PASIPD scores used a more injurious stroke technique
when propelling at higher speeds. This may indicate that active individuals who
use injurious stroke mechanics may be at higher risk of injury. A strong relation
was found between peak propulsion forces and shoulder pain. Rehabilitation
professionals should emphasize the use of a protective stroke technique in both
inactive and active MWUs during exercise and faster propulsion.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS