Wheelchair Propulsion Biomechanics, Weight, and Median Nerve Damage: A Longitudinal Study
By Fronczak, Katharine J.; Boninger, Michael L., MD; Souza, Aaron L., MS; Cooper, Rory A., PhD; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Longitudinal study conducted to examine pushrim biomechanics, and their relation to the progression of median nerve damage. Twenty-three people with spinal cord injuries who used manual wheelchairs completed nerve conduction studies at two separate times over a range of two to six years. A biomechanical analysis of wheelchair propulsion was completed in the first session using SMARTWheel force sensing pushrims. Backward linear regression models found a significant relationship between median motor amplitude and non-planar moment peak, and between median motor latency and resultant force. Propulsion biomechanics collected at the start of the study were able to predict the progression of median nerve injury. The authors contend that altering biomechanics could prevent nerve injury and wrist and hand pain.
Assistive Products Discussed: Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
