Shoulder kinetics during start-up and propulsion with a manual wheelchair within the initial phase of uninstructed training

Abstract

These findings underline that individual adaptation strategies are essential to take into account when designing a rehabilitation protocol for wheelchair users. Implications for Rehabilitation The learning process of manual wheelchair locomotion is essential for the assimilation of motor tasks leading individuals to select their propulsion technique. Novice users display different learning strategies: some people increase shoulder loading very early but others spontaneously manage to increase the wheelchair speed while maintaining a constant level of shoulder loading. Wheelchair rehabilitation programs should be individualized to take into account the subject-specific learning strategy.

Comparison of shoulder kinematic chain models and their influence on kinematics and kinetics in the study of manual wheelchair propulsion

“…However, this should not challenge the application of results since MWC propulsion parameters (linear speed, contact and release angles, push and recovery phases temporal parameters, handrim forces and torques etc.) were in accordance with previously reported results from experiments performed with lightweight wheelchairs [45,64] . Finally, another limitation of this study is that no gold-standard is provided to directly evaluate the accuracy of joint angles with the different models.…”

“…The average of peak flexion moment during the push phase obtained with model M ellips was consistent with values already reported in the literature [45,53] . The resulting glenohumeral joint moment displayed similar values to those reported in the study of Vegter et al [54] .…”

“…1 (b)) and synchronized with the motion capture system. This instrumented wheelchair (TSR-mesures, France [44][45][46] ) was adjusted with standard settings that remained unchanged between participants (weight: 38 kg; wheelbase: 430 mm). All participants completed the entire acquisition sessions.…”

Changes in wheelchair biomechanics within the first 120 minutes of practice: spatiotemporal parameters, handrim forces, motor force, rolling resistance and fore-aft stability

“…Moreover, conclusions about the evolution of upper limbs loading with practice cannot directly be inferred only from the results of handrim kinetics. It requires an inverse dynamic analysis, in order to take into account the motion of the upper extremities, and this kind of analysis revealed different behaviors depending on subjects [35]. Finally, startup and propulsion are common tasks in the daily use of a MWC, but skill acquisition and locomotion evolution with practice should also be studied in other specific tasks, such as U-turns or wheelies [36].…”

Measuring Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion in the Lab: A Critical Analysis of Stationary Ergometers

“…Moreover, they can be expanded with extra equipment that is necessary for biomechanics and motor learning studies. Indeed, motor learning during overground propulsion [115], [116], and treadmill [81], [114], [117] or ergometer propulsion [77] show somewhat similar results. However, in overground and ergometer propulsion, it is possible for the self-selected speed to change during motor learning.…”