Abstract des Autors

This study investigated the biomechanics of lever and hand-rim propulsion and the effects of seat position on propulsion mechanics. Nine able-bodied and six paraplegic spinal cord injured persons participated. Subjects performed hand-rim and lever propulsion on a wheelchair test simulator at a speed and load of 3 km/hr and 7.5 Watts/side, respectively. A 2x3 matrix of randomized seat positions was used. Three-dimensional motion measures of the trunk, shoulder, elbow, and wrist were collected over four-second sample periods for each seat position. Hub torque and stroke arc measurements were determined. Upper extremity motions were significantly different for the twomethods of propulsion. Hand-rim propulsion required less elbow motion, greater shoulder extension, less shoulder rotation and less arm abduction than lever propulsion. Both methods of propulsion required a substantial amount of internal rotation at the shoulder. Seat position changes had a greater effect on joint motion ranges when hand-rim propulsion was performed. No significant differences were found for trunk motion for the treatments. The findings provide additional information for development of a model for the optimization of wheelchair propulsion. Verf.-Referat