As participation in
wheelchair sports increases, the need of
quantitative assessment of biomechanical
performance indicators and of sports- and
population-specific training protocols has
become central. The present study focuses on
junior wheelchair basketball and aims at (i)
proposing a method to identify biomechanical
performance indicators of wheelchair propulsion
using an instrumented in-field test and (ii)
developing a training program specific for the
considered population and assessing its efficacy
using the proposed method. Twelve athletes (10
M, 2 F, age = 17.1 ± 2.7 years, years of
practice = 4.5 ± 1.8) equipped with
wheelchair- and wrist-mounted inertial sensors
performed a 20-metre sprint test. Biomechanical
parameters related to propulsion timing,
progression force, and coordination were
estimated from the measured accelerations and
used in a regression model where the time to
complete the test was set as dependent variable.
Force- and coordination-related parameters
accounted for 80% of the dependent variable
variance. Based on these results, a training
program was designed and administered for three
months to six of the athletes (the others acting
as control group). The biomechanical indicators
proved to be effective in providing additional
information about the wheelchair propulsion
technique with respect to the final test outcome
and demonstrated the efficacy of the developed
program.
Background: The two passive vacuum suspension systems currently available in total surface-bearing sockets are the hypobaric Iceross Seal-In ® and the suction suspension system. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the hypobaric Iceross Seal-In ® liner with that of the suction suspension system for quality of life, pistoning, and prosthesis efficiency in unilateral transtibial amputees. Study design: Single-group repeated measures. Methods: Ten amputees were enrolled. The pistoning test, used to compare vertical movement of the stump within the socket, and the energy cost of walking test were carried out when the amputees were wearing the suction suspension system and after 2, 5, and 7 weeks of Seal-In ® X5 use. The Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire and the Houghton Scale Questionnaire of perceived mobility and quality of life with the prosthesis, and the Timed Up&Go Test and the Locomotor Capability Index for functional mobility were also administered at the beginning and end of the study. Results: The hypobaric Iceross Seal-In ® X5 led to significant pistoning reduction and improvement on the Houghton Scale Questionnaire and 3 of 9 domains of the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire. No statistical changes were observed in functional mobility or the energy cost of walking tests. Conclusion: Replacing the suction suspension system with the hypobaric Iceross Seal-In ® X5 improves quality of life in transtibial amputees.
Clinical relevanceThe main indicator of suspension system efficiency in lower-limb prostheses is pistoning in the socket. Reduced pistoning of the hypobaric Iceross Seal-In ® X5 may contribute to amputees' rehabilitation.
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