A study on effects of backrest thickness on the upper arm and trunk muscle load during wheelchair propulsion

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 28; no. 5; pp. 1493 - 1495
• Main Authors: Lee, Joo-Hyun, Yoo, In-Gyu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2016
• Subjects: Accelerometer; Backrest; Original; Wheelchair; Accelerometer; Backrest; Wheelchair
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.28.1493

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the thickness of a wheelchair backrest provided for support and comfort on upper arm and trunk muscle load during wheelchair propulsion by using accelerometers. [Subjects and Methods] The Fourteen healthy participants were enrolled in this study. The study compared effects of three backrest conditions including no pad, a 3-cm-thick lumbar pad, and a 6-cm-thick lumbar pad. The instruments used for measurement were used two accelerometers. The participants were asked to propel their wheelchairs, which had been equipped with two accelerometers, 30 times. [Results] The intensity of muscle movement with the 3-cm-thick lumbar pad was significantly lower than the intensities with no lumbar pad and the 6-cm-thick lumbar pad. The muscle intensity did not differ significantly between the no pad and 6-cm-thick lumbar pad conditions. [Conclusion] An appropriately thick backrest has good effects on upper arm and trunk muscles during wheelchair propulsion. In the future, we must consider the appropriate backrest thickness for providing wheelchair users with a comfortable wheelchair.