Effect Of System Tilt And Seat-To-Backrest Angles On Load Sustained By Shoulder During Wheelchair Propulsion

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 14 Apr 2007 - 6:00 PDT

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We determined the effect of system tilt angle (STA) and seat-tobackrest angle (SBA) changes on shoulder load during manual wheelchair propulsion. We tested combinations of three STAs and three SBAs with 14 elderly subjects.

Our analysis revealed no significant differences between shoulder moments (average and highest) for these STA and SBA combinations.

We also found that keeping the wheel axle position constant to the subject's shoulder allowed modification of the seat without increased shoulder load. Therefore, wheelchairs can be positioned based on what offers the most user comfort, stability, and pressure-ulcer relief without increasing the risk of shoulder injury.

This article can be found in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development Volume 43, Number 7, Page 871

About the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD)

JRRD has been a leading research journal in the field of rehabilitation medicine and technology for more than 40 years. JRRD, a peer-reviewed, scientifically indexed journal, publishes original research papers, review articles, as well as clinical and technical commentary from U.S. and international researchers on all rehabilitation research disciplines. JRRD's mission is to responsibly evaluate and disseminate scientific research findings impacting the rehabilitative healthcare community.

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