title: Impact of Gender on Shoulder Torque and Manual Wheelchair Usage for Individuals with Paraplegia: A Preliminary Report.
abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of women with spinal cord injury is increasing, and their unique attributes merit attention, specifically, shoulder strength and community wheelchair propulsion. RESULTS: Shoulder torques were 62%-96% greater in men than women, average daily distance traveled was greater for men, and average speeds were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Community wheelchair propulsion speed was similar between men and women but men were significantly stronger, therefore daily mobility requires a higher relative effort for women's shoulder muscles. This demand may increase susceptibility to fatigue and development of shoulder pain.
authors.affiliation: Research Physical Therapist, Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California.
authors.forename: Patricia E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Hatchett
authors.forename: Philip S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Requejo
authors.forename: Sara J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Mulroy
authors.forename: Lisa Lighthall
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Haubert
authors.forename: Valerie J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Eberly
authors.forename: Sandy G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Conners