@article{ref1,
title="The influence of speed and grade on wheelchair propulsion hand pattern",
journal="Clinical biomechanics",
year="2015",
author="Slowik, Jonathan S. and Requejo, Philip S. and Mulroy, Sara J. and Neptune, Richard R.",
volume="30",
number="9",
pages="927-932",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The hand pattern used during manual wheelchair propulsion (i.e., full-cycle hand path) can provide insight into an individual's propulsion technique. However, previous analyses of hand patterns have been limited by their focus on a single propulsion condition and reliance on subjective qualitative characterization methods. The purpose of this study was to develop a set of objective quantitative parameters to characterize hand patterns and determine the influence of propulsion speed and grade of incline on the patterns preferred by manual wheelchair users. <br><br>METHODS: Kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 170 experienced manual wheelchair users on an ergometer during three conditions: level propulsion at their self-selected speed, level propulsion at their fastest comfortable speed and graded propulsion (8%) at their level self-selected speed. Hand patterns were quantified using a set of objective parameters, and differences across conditions were identified. <br><br>FINDINGS: Increased propulsion speed resulted in a shift away from under-rim hand patterns. Increased grade of incline resulted in the hand remaining near the handrim throughout the cycle. <br><br>INTERPRETATION: Manual wheelchair users change their hand pattern based on task-specific constraints and goals. Further work is needed to investigate how differences between hand patterns influence upper extremity demand and potentially lead to the development of overuse injuries and pain.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0268-0033",
doi="10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.07.007",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.07.007"
}