title: Handrim wheelchair propulsion training effect on overground propulsion using biomechanical real-time visual feedback.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effects of 2 manual wheelchair propulsion training programs on handrim kinetics, contact angle, and stroke frequency collected during overground propulsion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled trial comparing handrim kinetics between 3 groups: a control group that received no training, an instruction-only group that reviewed a multimedia presentation, and a feedback group that reviewed the multimedia presentation and real-time visual feedback.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  Full-time manual wheelchair users (N=27) with spinal cord injury living in the Pittsburgh area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Propulsion training was given 3 times over 3 weeks, and data were collected at baseline, immediately after training, and at 3 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Contact angle, stroke frequency, peak resultant force, and peak rate of rise of resultant force.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both feedback and instruction-only groups improved their propulsion biomechanics across all surfaces (carpet, tile, and ramp) at both target and self-selected speeds compared with the control group. While controlling for velocity, both intervention groups showed long-term reductions in the peak rate or rise of resultant force, stroke frequency, and increased contact angle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long-term wheelchair users in both intervention groups significantly improved many aspects of their propulsion technique immediately after training and 3 months from baseline. Furthermore, training with a low-cost instructional video and slide presentation was an effective training tool alone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. ianrice@illinois.edu
authors.forename: Ian M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: Ryan T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Pohlig
authors.forename: Jerri D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: Michael L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Boninger
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001835:Body Weight; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation; D056228:Feedback, Sensory; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014910:Wheelchairs