Upper-extremity torque production in men with paraplegia who use wheelchairs.
OBJECTIVE
To study maximal upper-extremity torque values and agonist/antagonist torque ratios in a sample of individuals with paraplegia and to compare these values with a sample of age-, gender-, and weight-matched able-bodied individuals.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, case-control study.


METHODS
A biomechanics laboratory.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 15 men with complete (American Spinal Injury Association class A) T5-L2 paraplegia and 15 able-bodied control subjects.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Maximal isometric torques of 12 upper-extremity muscle groups (shoulder, elbow, and wrist flexion and extension; shoulder abduction and adduction; shoulder internal and external rotation; elbow pronation and supination) were measured with custom dynamometers.


RESULTS
Maximal torque values and agonist/antagonist torque ratios for the shoulder, elbow, and wrist functions did not differ between the control subjects and those with complete paraplegia, with the exception of the supination/pronation torque ratio, which was significantly higher in the able-bodied control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Wheelchair propulsion and other functional activities, such as transfers, do not significantly affect maximum torque production of the upper extremities in individuals with paraplegia. On the basis of these findings, arguments that upper-extremity muscle imbalances are important contributory factors to upper-extremity pain and dysfunction in this group may be too simplistic.
Kotajarvi
Brian R
BR
Orthopedic Biomechanics Lab, Guggenheim 128, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Basford
Jeffrey R
JR
An
Kai-Nan
KN
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D019415:Torque; D014910:Wheelchairs