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PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

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  • Title: Range of motion and stroke frequency differences between manual wheelchair propulsion and pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair propulsion.
    Author: Corfman TA, Cooper RA, Boninger ML, Koontz AM, Fitzgerald SG.
    Journal: J Spinal Cord Med; 2003; 26(2):135-40. PubMed ID: 12828290.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the use and efficacy of a pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchair (PAPAW) in the reduction of upper extremity range of motion (ROM) and stroke frequency in manual wheelchair users. METHODS: Ten manual wheelchair users were evaluated using a repeated-measures design with and without the use of a PAPAW for maximum ROM of shoulder flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, internal/external rotation, and horizontal flexion/extension; elbow flexion/extension; wrist flexion/extension, supination/pronation, and ulnar/radial deviation; and stroke frequency. Participants propelled a Quickie 2 manual wheelchair configured as a PAPAW and their own wheelchair on a computer-controlled dynamometer at 3 different resistance levels and 2 different speeds. RESULTS: The use of the PAPAW significantly (P < 0.05) decreased shoulder flexion/extension and horizontal flexion/extension, elbow flexion/extension, and wrist flexion/extension and ulnar/radial deviation for many speed and resistance combinations. Univariate analysis revealed that stroke frequency was unaltered in all cases. CONCLUSION: These findings provide the foundation for studying the utility of the PAPAW in reducing the risk of upper limb injury and neuropathy in the manual wheelchair user population.
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