Statistical Parametric Mapping: SEMG analysis of shoulder muscle activations on traditional and pulling propulsion during manual wheelchair use: Surface electromyographic study of traditional and pull function propulsion in manual wheelchair use

Abstract

Introduktion Skuldersmerter er et udbredt problem blandt brugere af manuelle kørestole (MWCU) og skyldes ofte gentagne mekaniske belastninger på skuldersener og led under kørestolsfremdrift. Denne sammenlignende observationsstudie havde til formål at vurdere effekten af en aftagelig trækfunktion (GO1) på muskelaktiveringsmønstre omkring skulderen og overkroppen under kørestolsfremdrift. Metoder Femten raske forsøgspersoner gennemgik gentagne målinger ved at anvende traditionelle (Trad) og trækkende (Pull) fremdriftsteknikker på et specialiseret løbebånd. Overfladeelektromyografi (sEMG) data fra bilaterale målinger af seks proximale muskler blev analyseret ved hjælp af Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) for at identificere forskelle i muskelaktivering mellem Trad og Pull teknikkerne under en komplet propulsionscyklus ved gennemsnitlig kørestolshastighed. Resultater SPM-analysen afslørede nuancerede forskelle i muskelaktiveringsmønstre mellem Pull og Trad fremdriftsteknikker. Pull fremdrift viste signifikant lavere aktivering (p < 0.018) i specifikke skuldermuskler, herunder øvre trapezius og deltoideus anterior, sammenlignet med Trad fremdrift gennem cyklussen. Omvendt viste Trad fremdrift lavere aktiveringsniveauer i pectoralis major og nedre trapezius (p < 0.004). Diskussion De observerede forskelle i muskelaktiveringsmønstre antyder potentielle fordele ved at inkludere Pull fremdrift i rehabiliteringsprotokoller for at mindske overbelastningsskader i skulderen blandt MWCUs. Disse fund peger på variationer i muskelaktivitet, som understreger vigtigheden af at udforske alternative fremdriftsteknikker for at reducere mekanisk belastning. Konklusion Denne undersøgelse undersøgte de potentielle fordele ved Pull fremdrift i at fremme mere balancerede muskelaktiveringsmønstre og mindske overbelastningsskader i skulderen blandt brugere af manuelle kørestole. Yderligere forskning er nødvendig for at undersøge ændringer i muskelkoordination, validere disse fund og udforske de langsigtede effekter af alternative fremdriftsteknikker på mobilitetseffektivitet

Introduction: Shoulder pain is a prevalent issue among manual wheelchair users (MWCU), often attributed to repetitive mechanical loading on shoulder tendons and joints during wheelchair propulsion. This comparative observational study aimed to assess the impact of a removable lever-assisted pull function (GO1) on muscle activation patterns surrounding the shoulder and upper body during wheelchair propulsion. Methods: Fifteen able-bodied participants underwent repeated measure testing, utilizing traditional (Trad) and pulling (Pull) propulsion techniques on a specialized treadmill. Surface electromyography (sEMG) data from bilateral recordings of six proximal muscles were analyzed using Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) to identify differences in muscle activation between Trad and Pull techniques during a complete propulsion cycle at average MWCU speed. Results: The SPM analysis revealed nuanced differences in muscle activation patterns between Pull and Trad propulsion techniques. Pull propulsion demonstrated significant lower activation (p < 0.018) in specific shoulder muscles, including the upper trapezius and deltoid anterior, compared to Trad propulsion through the cycle. Conversely, Trad propulsion exhibited lower activation levels in pectoralis major and lower trapezius (p < 0.004). Discussion: The observed differences in muscle activation patterns suggest the potential benefits of incorporating Pull propulsion into rehabilitation protocols to mitigate shoulder overuse injuries among MWCUs. These findings suggest variations in muscle activity which highlight the importance of exploring alternative propulsion techniques to reduce mechanical load. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential advantages of Pull propulsion in promoting more balanced muscle activation patterns and mitigating shoulder overuse injuries among MWCUs. Further research is warranted to investigate changes in muscle coordination, validate these findings and explore the long-term effects of alternative propulsion techniques on mobility efficiency.

A master thesis from Aalborg University

Statistical Parametric Mapping: SEMG analysis of shoulder muscle activations on traditional and pulling propulsion during manual wheelchair use: Surface electromyographic study of traditional and pull function propulsion in manual wheelchair use

[Statistical Parametric Mapping: SEMG analysis of shoulder muscle activations on traditional and pulling propulsion during manual wheelchair use: Overflade elektromyografisk undersøgelse af traditionel og trækfunktionsfremdrift ved manuel kørestolsbrug]