Car transfer and wheelchair loading techniques in independent drivers with paraplegia

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., 2015 · DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2015.00139 · Published: September 17, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study examines how people with paraplegia get in and out of cars and load their wheelchairs, which are essential for living independently. These actions are hard on the body and can cause shoulder pain. The research looks at different methods and things that affect how people transfer and load wheelchairs, focusing on those who drive their own cars and use their own wheelchairs. Understanding these transfers and wheelchair loading is important to prevent shoulder pain and injuries, helping people with paraplegia stay active in their communities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

29 (4 females and 25 males) with T2 to L3 paraplegia

Evidence Level

Original Research

Key Findings

1
Vehicle height influences hand placement during car transfers, with drivers of higher profile vehicles more likely to place their hand on the driver's seat.
2
Body lift time during car transfer is negatively correlated with the level of injury and age, and positively correlated with vehicle height and shoulder abduction strength.
3
Drivers who placed their leading hand on the steering wheel during transfer had higher levels of shoulder pain.

Research Summary

This study describes techniques and factors influencing car transfer and WC loading for individuals with paraplegia driving their own vehicles and using their personal WCs. Vehicle height influenced leading hand placement but not leg placement such that drivers of higher profile vehicles were more likely to place their hand on the driver’s seat than those who drove sedans. Understanding car transfers and WC loading in independent drivers is crucial to prevent shoulder pain and injury and preserve community participation.

Practical Implications

Strength Training

The findings illustrate the need to incorporate strength training into the weekly routines of individuals with SCI to address the increased demands on the upper extremities.

Technique Optimization

Optimal car transfer techniques should be determined to prevent shoulder pain and injury, maximizing functional independence and participation for individuals aging with spinal cord injury.

Vehicle Choice Considerations

Individuals with paraplegia should consider vehicle height and its impact on transfer techniques, potentially influencing the risk of shoulder pain.

Study Limitations

1
Determination of transfer phasing was conducted by observation of events from a videotape.
2
Our sample size of 29 participants was low, given the variation in car transfer strategies and vehicle heights and relatively few participants had shoulder pain.
3
since only four volunteers drove high profile vehicles (large trucks and SUVs), it was necessary to collapse the medium and high profile vehicle groups into one group for statistically meaningful results.

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