Biomechanical differences between experienced and inexperienced wheelchair users during sport

Abstract

Background: During functional wheelchair movement there are several types of stroke pattern that a manual wheelchair user (MWCU) can utilize in order to propel. Objectives: To examine the biomechanical differences between disabled (WCU) and able-bodied (NWCU) children whilst taking part in functional activities at the Cheetahs Wheelchair Sports Club. Study Design: A multiple measures cohort study. Methods: Eleven participants were divided into two groups; WCU (n = 7) and NWCU (n = 4). All subjects were asked to perform three functional tasks; 30-second agility test, 1-minute distance test and a 10-metre sprint test. Upper body kinematics were recoded using a XSens MVN BIOMECH motion capture suit. Results: NWCU outperformed the WCU in all of the tasks, however, no significant differences between the group's results were found. Nevertheless, significant differences were found in the maximum shoulder flexion angle for both right and left with NWCU utilizing more flexion and near significant differences in the NWCU overall shoulder range for right and left. Conclusions: In order to increase function in young MWCU then more specific-based sessions should be implemented targeting the exploitation of large shoulder ranges during propulsion, consequently resulting in more efficient movement. Clinical relevanceEmploying a propulsion technique which uses larger ranges of shoulder motion and decreased pushrim frequency results in an optimal cost-effect balance without predisposing MWCU to overuse injuries.

Stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience in Canadian farmers

“…In addition to the implications of poor mental health on individual well-being and on farm productivity discussed above, another important consideration is the potential impact on animal welfare. The interdependence of farmer well-being and animal welfare has been described [44], and animal neglect cases have been reported to be associated with mental health and addiction issues, in addition to social problems, amongst the farmers that care for them [45,46]. This concept of one welfare, which "recognizes the interconnections between animal welfare, human well-being, and the environment" [47; p. 412], represents an important area for further study.…”

Influência da resistência ao rolamento no desempenho de velocidade no rúgbi em cadeiras de rodas independente da classificação funcional

“…Outras pesquisas têm sugerido que a R ROL é uma variável mecânica relacionada à economia de esforço em usuários de cadeiras de rodas, juntamente com outras características biomecânicas da propulsão manual, tais quais os padrões de movimento nos ciclos de propulsão/recuperação 23,24 , bem como as habilidades dos sujeitos em manobrar as cadeiras em diferentes situações da vida cotidiana 25 . Do ponto de vista da prática esportiva, sugere-se que a manutenção de níveis ótimos de resistência geral e localizada, no sentido de suportar os efeitos impostos pela R ROL .…”

Wheelchair Propulsion Biomechanics in Junior Basketball Players: A Method for the Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Specific Training Program

“…To this aim, wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) have been proposed as a valid alternative to traditional laboratory-based instruments, allowing for in-the-field performance monitoring without neither constraining athletes' movements nor significantly modifying the original wheelchair configuration. Few studies focused on the use of IMUs to assess biomechanical parameters in wheelchair sports, such as speed [ 17 ], wheelchair displacement and orientation [ 18 ], and upper body kinematics [ 19 ]. However, IMUs have never been used to characterise wheelchair propulsion in junior wheelchair basketball players nor have been flanked to traditional, or ad hoc developed, training programs adopted by wheelchair sports coaches.…”