 |
| Research article summary (published 27 Feb 2009): |
The influence of verbal training and visual feedback on manual wheelchair propulsion.
Full Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine if verbal training with visual feedback improved manual wheelchair propulsion; to examine propulsion differences between an individual with paraplegia and an individual with tetraplegia. METHOD: Quasi-experimental study: Nine manual wheelchair-using adults participated in propulsion assessments and training. Baseline propulsion performance was measured on several tasks on different surfaces. Participants were trained on a wheelchair treadmill with verbal and visual feedback to increase push length, reduce push frequency and to modify propulsion pattern. Handrim biomechanics were measured with an instrumented wheel. Changes in propulsion were assessed. Differences in propulsion characteristics between a participant with paraplegia and a participant with tetraplegia were examined. RESULTS: Push length increased (p < 0.05), push frequency decreased (p < 0.01) and peak (p < 0.05) and average (p < 0.01) forces increased immediately after training. These changes were not sustained over time. Graphic representations showed differences in propulsion characteristics between a participant with paraplegia and a participant with tetraplegia. CONCLUSIONS: Verbal training may produce changes in push biomechanics of manual wheelchair users. Longer training periods may be needed to sustain propulsion changes. Findings from this study support other studies that have shown propulsion differences between people with tetraplegia and paraplegia. Propulsion training for populations with upper-extremity impairments warrants further study.
Author information
Author/s: DeGroot, Keri K (KK); Hollingsworth, Holly H (HH); Morgan, Kerri A (KA); Morris, Carrie L (CL); Gray, David B (DB);
Affiliation: Program in Occupational Therapy, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA.
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Journal: Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology (Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol), published in England. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2009-Mar; vol 4 (issue 2) : pp 86-94
Dates: Created 2009/03/02; Completed 2009/06/15; Revised 2009/11/17;
PMID: 19253097, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/17/2009, IMS Date: )
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):
Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.
This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.
MeSH headings (categories)
This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.
Related articles
This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.
See a large map of 100+ related articles.