Article

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of long-term
wheelchair rugby training on the functional abilities of persons with tetraplegia
over a 2-year period post-spinal cord injury. DESIGN: A prospective
non-randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Forty people with incomplete
tetraplegia were examined. Participants were divided into 2 groups: a wheelchair
rugby training group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). METHODS: The
Wheelchair Skills Test was used to assess functional changes in patients. In
order to assess the strength of the 10 key muscles in the upper limb, the
American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score was used. All participants
were assessed at the beginning of the study (at the start of wheelchair rugby
training) and reassessed after 2 years. Between pre- and post-measurements
patients from the wheelchair rugby group attended wheelchair rugby training once
a week. RESULTS: The baseline values of the Wheelchair Skills Test in the
wheelchair rugby group was 71.3, and this increased significantly by 24%. In the
control group, the mean Wheelchair Skills Test value was 63.2, and this improved
by 4%. A significant correlation between Wheelchair Skills Test score and ASIA
motor score was found in both groups. CONCLUSION: Participation in regular
wheelchair rugby training may preserve and augment functional abilities in
individuals with incomplete tetraplegia.

Langue : ANGLAIS