Proposing a new index to quantify instantaneous symmetry during manual wheelchair propulsion.
J Biomech
; 51: 137-141, 2017 01 25.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27939173
ABSTRACT
Propelling a manual wheelchair (MWC) is a strenuous task that causes upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in a large proportion of MWC users. Although most studies on MWC propulsion biomechanics assume that MWC propulsion is a relatively symmetric task, recent literature suggests that this is the case only when the assessed outcome measures are averaged over long periods of time, and not over short periods (i.e., instantaneously). No method is currently available to assess instantaneous symmetry. In this work, we present the Instantaneous Symmetry Index (ISI), a new method that quantifies how a variable has been instantaneously asymmetric during a selected time period. Thirteen experienced MWC users propelled on different cross slopes of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%. As the cross slope is increased, the upper hand produced less propulsive moments and the lower hand produced more propulsive movements. This has been reflected in the ISI, which increased from 0.20 (0% slope) to 0.84 (8% slope) with a Spearman׳s coefficient of 0.90. The ISI has great potential to evaluate the ability of a user to propel symmetrically and synchronously, and will be a relevant measure to include in future studies on the impact of MWC propulsion asymmetry on MSD risk.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Cadeiras de Rodas
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Extremidade Superior
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Movimento
Limite:
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article