Impact of Gender on Shoulder Torque and Manual Wheelchair Usage for Individuals with Paraplegia: A Preliminary Report.
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.
Hatchett
Patricia E
PE
Research Physical Therapist, Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California.
Requejo
Philip S
PS
Mulroy
Sara J
SJ
Haubert
Lisa Lighthall
LL
Eberly
Valerie J
VJ
Conners
Sandy G
SG