The increased demand on the upper limbs during manual wheelchair use results in a high prevalence of shoulder pathology in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Because individuals with SCI are dependent on their upper extremities for mobility and daily activities, shoulder dysfunction can present a devastating loss of independence and decreased quality of life. Research on quantification of shoulder loading and muscular demands during wheelchair propulsion, self-transfers, weight-relief raises, and overhead activities is presented. This review examines evidence-based recommendations aimed at preserving shoulder function by addressing environmental factors related to ergonomics, equipment selection, and performance technique and personal factors related to enhancement of the load-bearing capacity of shoulder structure through strengthening and resistance training.
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Original Article|
May 08 2008
Evidence-Based Strategies to Preserve Shoulder Function in Manual Wheelchair Users with Spinal Cord Injury
Philip Requejo;
Philip Requejo
1
Pathokinesiology Laboratory and Rehabilitation Engineering Program, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California
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Sara Mulroy;
Sara Mulroy
2
Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California
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Lisa Lighthall Haubert;
Lisa Lighthall Haubert
3
Research Physical Therapist, Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California
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Craig Newsam;
Craig Newsam
4
Research Physical Therapist, Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California
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JoAnne Gronley;
JoAnne Gronley
5
Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California
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Jacquelin Perry
Jacquelin Perry
6
Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California
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Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil (2008) 13 (4): 86–119.
Citation
Philip Requejo, Sara Mulroy, Lisa Lighthall Haubert, Craig Newsam, JoAnne Gronley, Jacquelin Perry; Evidence-Based Strategies to Preserve Shoulder Function in Manual Wheelchair Users with Spinal Cord Injury. Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil 1 April 2008; 13 (4): 86–119. doi: https://doi.org/10.1310/sci1304-86
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