Effects of Seated Postural Stability and Trunk and Upper Extremity Strength on Performance during Manual Wheelchair Propulsion Tests in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: An Exploratory Study

This study explores how trunk and arm strength, along with balance while sitting, affect how well people with spinal cord injuries can move a manual wheelchair. The research looked at different tests that measure wheelchair movement, like how fast someone can go or how well they can navigate a course. The findings help understand what physical abilities are most important for wheelchair use, which can guide therapists in creating better rehabilitation plans.

• 1
  Shoulder adductor strength on the weaker side significantly predicts performance in the 20-meter propulsion test, explaining 53% of the variance.
• 2
  Shoulder adductor strength on the stronger side and forward seated reaching distance together predict 71% of the variance in the slalom test.
• 3
  Handgrip strength is a significant predictor of performance in the 6-minute propulsion test, accounting for 52% of the variance.