John D. Lloyd, PhD, CPE
Board Certified Ergonomist
32824 Michigan Avenue
San Antonio, Florida 33576
Tel: 813-624-8986
Email: DrJohnLloyd@Tampabay.RR.com
Biomechanical Evaluation of Independent Wheelchair Transfers in Persons with SCI
Abstract: Persons with SCI perform activities of daily living, including mobility and everyday transfer tasks, without the use of their lower extremities. This commonly causes shoulder pain and dysfunction, which compounds their disability and may affect their quality of life. Using a state-of-the-art 3D measurement technology, this study investigated the biomechanical stressors that lead to shoulder injury during manual transfer tasks.
Ten male veterans with paraplegia were recruited to perform transfer tasks in a laboratory between their wheelchair and bed, commode and vehicle. Human motion, force and EMG of the bilateral anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, tricep and bicep muscle groups was collected using VICON motion tracking technology, force sensing gloves and telemetric electromyography equipment.
Findings from this study graphically illustrate the biomechanical stressors at the shoulders, elbows and wrists during these everyday transfer tasks. This may lead to the development and evaluation of interventions to minimize the risk of developing chronic shoulder disorders, thereby helping persons with SCI maintain their independence and quality of life.
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