Article

OBJECTIVES: To compare spatio-temporal propulsion characteristics and shoulder
muscle electromyographic activity in persons with cervical spinal cord injury
propelling a standard pushrim wheelchair (WC) and a commercially available
pushrim-activated power assisted wheelchair (PAPAW) design on a stationary
ergometer. DESIGN: Repeated measures. SETTING: Motion analysis laboratory within
a rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Men (N=14) with complete (American
Spinal Injury Association grade A or B) tetraplegia (C6=5; C7=9). INTERVENTION:
Participants propelled a standard pushrim WC and PAPAW during 3 propulsion
conditions: self-selected free and fast and simulated 4% or 8% graded resistance
propulsion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Median speed, cycle length, cadence, median
and peak electromyographic activity intensity, and duration of electromyographic
activity in pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus
muscles were compared between standard pushrim WC and PAPAW propulsion. RESULTS:
A significant (P<.05) decrease in electromyographic activity intensity and
duration of pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and infraspinatus muscles and
significantly reduced intensity and push phase duration of supraspinatus
electromyographic activity at faster speeds and with increased resistance were
seen during PAPAW propulsion. CONCLUSIONS: For participants with complete
tetraplegia, push phase shoulder muscle activity was decreased in the PAPAW
compared with standard pushrim WC, indicating a reduction in demands when
propelling a PAPAW.

Langue : ANGLAIS