Shoulder rotator cuff impingement syndrome is a common and disabling problem for the wheelchair athlete. In this study we investigated the role of shoulder strength imbalance as a factor for the development of this syndrome. Nineteen paraplegic male athletes underwent clinical and isokinetic examination of both shoulders with peak torque values measured in abduction, adduction, and internal and external rotation. Twenty athletic, able-bodied men without shoulder problems were tested as controls. Ten (26%) of the paraplegic athletes had rotator cuff impingement syndrome. The results of the isokinetic testing demonstrated that 1) the paraplegics' shoulders were stronger than the controls in all directions (P < 0.05); 2) the strength ratio of abduction: adduction was higher for paraplegic athletes (P < 0.05); 3) paraplegics' shoulders with rotator cuff impingement syndrome were weaker in adduction and external and internal rotation than the paraplegic athletes without impingement syndrome (P < 0.05); and 4) paraplegics' shoulders with rotator cuff impingement syndrome had higher abduction:adduction and abduction:internal rotation strength ratios than the shoulders of paraplegics without impingement syndrome (P < 0.05). We concluded that shoulder muscle imbalance, with comparative weakness of the humeral head depressors (rotators and adductors), may be a factor in the development and perpetuation of rotator cuff impingement syndrome in wheelchair athletes.
We examined the transition experiences and adjustment to retirement among 18 athletes with disabilities. Adopting a grounded theory approach, we interviewed athletes using a semistructured format based on Schlossberg’s (1981, 1984) transition model. Three basic questions were asked regarding the competitive period, events surrounding the retirement decision, and adjustment to retirement. Data were analyzed by an iterative process and a model was developed. Sport was a highly valued part of the lives of athletes; personal commitment to sport was evident and often taken to extremes including overtraining and ignoring medical advice. Transition from sport was an emotional experience for athletes, and difficulties were associated with voluntary versus involuntary retirement and readiness or lack of readiness for retirement. Coping with retirement appeared to be facilitated by readiness and having other job and family interests outside of sport. Many athletes expressed concern regarding chronic injuries and aging with a disability. We suggest that the Schlossberg model is a useful framework for examining athlete transition and adjustment to retirement.
The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of eccentric and concentric strength of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) as measured on the Kin-Corn. Fourteen subjects performed four eccentric and concentric contractions of shoulder adduction and abduction, and knee flexion and extension at a speed of 60°/s during three testing sessions. Peak and average torque were calculated for each type of contraction for each of the four movements. Generalizability coefficients were high for all scores (r = .79 to .96) except average eccentric extension of the knee (r = .26). The variance components revealed that differences between test sessions were large (8.5%–65.8%) compared to the differences between trials (0.0%–5.8%). These data indicate that the Kin-Corn is a reliable mode for testing average and maximal concentric muscular strength, and maximal eccentric contractions on adults with CP, following an initial orientation session.
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