title: Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of wheelchair propulsion on ramps of different slopes for young men with paraplegia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To gain insight into the biomechanics of upslope wheelchair stroking by examining the changes in kinematic and electromyographic characteristics of wheelchair propulsion over ramps of different slopes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Repeated-measures design. Each subject pushed up a wooden ramp (7.3m long) 3 times at self-selected normal and fast speeds for each of these slopes: 0 degrees , 2 degrees , 4 degrees , 6 degrees , 8 degrees , 10 degrees , and 12 degrees .
  
  
  METHODS
  A biomechanics laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Young men (N=10) with paraplegia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  METHODS
  Electromyographic activity of extensor carpi radialis, triceps brachii, antero-middle and postero-middle deltoids, pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi, and stroking kinematics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forward lean of the trunk increased as the slope increased. The triceps brachii, antero-middle deltoid, and pectoralis major were more active during the push phase, while the postero-middle deltoid was more active during the recovery phase. Both extensor carpi radialis and latissimus dorsi were active throughout a stroke. Major adjustments in stroking kinematics and significant increases in muscle activity occurred at slopes between 4 degrees and 10 degrees .
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In addition to a decrease in stroking speed, the stroking pattern becomes more compact (decreased push angle and relative recovery time, increased stroke frequency) and the trunk becomes more active with increasing slope.
authors.affiliation: Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. jchow@mmrcrehab.org
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Tim A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Millikan
authors.forename: Les G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Carlton
authors.forename: Woen-sik
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Chae
authors.forename: Young-tae
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Marty I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Morse
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014910:Wheelchairs; D055815:Young Adult