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
Translated title
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
Author
Krogshede, Mikkel
Term
4. semester
Education
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-05-30
Pages
17
Abstract
Shoulder pain is common among manual wheelchair users because repeated pushing loads the shoulder’s tendons and joints. This comparative observational study examined how a removable lever that enables pulling instead of pushing (GO1) affects muscle activity around the shoulder and upper body during wheelchair propulsion. Fifteen able-bodied participants completed repeated tests on a specialized treadmill using two techniques: traditional pushing on the handrim (Trad) and lever-assisted pulling (Pull). We recorded muscle electrical activity with surface EMG from six muscles near the shoulder on both sides across a full propulsion cycle at a speed typical for manual wheelchair users. Data were analyzed with Statistical Parametric Mapping to compare the time course of muscle activation between techniques. The results showed different activation patterns: Pull had lower activation in certain shoulder muscles, including the upper trapezius and anterior deltoid, whereas Trad had lower activation in the pectoralis major and lower trapezius. These differences were statistically significant. The findings suggest that pull propulsion may distribute load across muscles differently and could help reduce shoulder overuse. Because the study involved able-bodied participants, further research with wheelchair users is needed to confirm changes in muscle coordination and to assess long-term effects on mobility efficiency.
Skuldersmerter er almindelige hos brugere af manuelle kørestole, ofte fordi gentagne skub belaster sener og led i skulderen. Denne sammenlignende observationsundersøgelse undersøgte, hvordan en aftagelig håndtagsløsning, der gør det muligt at trække i stedet for at skubbe (GO1), påvirker muskelaktiviteten omkring skulder og overkrop under kørsel i kørestol. Femten personer uden funktionsnedsættelser gennemførte gentagne test på et specialløbebånd med to teknikker: traditionel skubning på fælg (Trad) og træk med håndtag (Pull). Vi målte musklernes elektriske aktivitet med overflade-EMG fra seks muskler tæt ved skulderen på begge sider gennem en hel fremdriftscyklus ved en fart, der svarer til gennemsnitlig hastighed for manuelle kørestolsbrugere. Data blev analyseret med Statistical Parametric Mapping, som sammenligner tidsforløbet i muskelaktivering mellem teknikkerne. Resultaterne viste forskelle i aktiveringsmønstre: Pull havde lavere aktivering i visse skuldermuskler, herunder øvre trapezius og forreste del af deltamusklen, mens Trad havde lavere aktivering i brystmusklen (pectoralis major) og nedre trapezius. Forskellene var statistisk signifikante. Disse fund tyder på, at træk-propulsion kan fordele belastningen på tværs af musklerne og potentielt mindske risikoen for overbelastning af skulderen. Da forsøget blev udført med raske deltagere, er der behov for yderligere forskning med kørestolsbrugere for at bekræfte ændringer i muskelkoordination og undersøge de langsigtede effekter på mobilitet og effektivitet.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords