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Peters J, Chen M, Huang K, Siero M, Elliot J, Bleakney A, Hsiao-Wecksler E, McDonagh D. A user-inspired mobility experience of the future: a qualitative investigation. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38958198 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2373303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Wheelchair users (WCUs) face additional challenges than non-WCU to multi-tasking (i.e. open doors, cook, use a cell-phone) while navigating their environments. While assistive devices have attempted to provide WCUs with mobility solutions that enable multi-tasking capabilities, current devices have been developed without the input of end-users and have proven to be non-usable. More balanced approaches that integrate the end-users' voices may improve current assistive technology usability trends. This study sought to empathically understand the lived experience of WCUs, their needs towards a mobility device, and their perceptions towards hands-free mobility. Full-time WCUs and care providers participated in semi-structured interviews examining wheelchair use and perceptions towards current and future mobility devices. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data. 9 WCUs (aged 32.1 ± 7.0 years; wheelchair experience 17.9 ± 11.6 years) and five care providers (years caring for WCU 3.75 ± 0.96 years) participated in the study. The most common disability type was spinal cord injury (WCUs: n = 3; care providers: n = 3). Qualitative analysis revealed four key themes: (1) Current wheelchair usage, (2) WCU and care provider perspectives, (3) Future wheelchair, and (4) Hands-free wheelchair. Accordingly, participants desire bespoke, light-weight mobility devices that can through tight spaces, access uneven terrain, and free the hands during navigation. This study provides meaningful insight into the needs of WCUs and care providers that assistive technology innovators can use to develop more usable assistive technologies. Amongst study participants, the concept of a hands-free mobility device appears to be usable and desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Peters
- Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Michael Chen
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn Huang
- Disability Resources and Educational Services, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Marissa Siero
- Technology Entrepreneur Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jeannette Elliot
- Disability Resources and Educational Services, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Adam Bleakney
- Disability Resources and Educational Services, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hsiao-Wecksler
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Deana McDonagh
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Assila N, Begon M, Duprey S. Finite Element Model of the Shoulder with Active Rotator Cuff Muscles: Application to Wheelchair Propulsion. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:1240-1254. [PMID: 38376768 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The rotator cuff is prone to injury, remarkably so for manual wheelchair users. To understand its pathomechanisms, finite element models incorporating three-dimensional activated muscles are needed to predict soft tissue strains during given tasks. This study aimed to develop such a model to understand pathomechanisms associated with wheelchair propulsion. We developed an active muscle model associating a passive fiber-reinforced isotropic matrix with an activation law linking calcium ion concentration to tissue tension. This model was first evaluated against known physiological muscle behavior; then used to activate the rotator cuff during a wheelchair propulsion cycle. Here, experimental kinematics and electromyography data was used to drive a shoulder finite element model. Finally, we evaluated the importance of muscle activation by comparing the results of activated and non-activated rotator cuff muscles during both propulsion and isometric contractions. Qualitatively, the muscle constitutive law reasonably reproduced the classical Hill model force-length curve and the behavior of a transversally loaded muscle. During wheelchair propulsion, the deformation and fiber stretch of the supraspinatus muscle-tendon unit pointed towards the possibility for this tendon to develop tendinosis due to the multiaxial loading imposed by the kinematics of propulsion. Finally, differences in local stretch and positions of the lines of action between activated and non-activated models were only observed at activation levels higher than 30%. Our novel finite element model with active muscles is a promising tool for understanding the pathomechanisms of the rotator cuff for various dynamic tasks, especially those with high muscle activation levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najoua Assila
- School of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Research Center of the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Univ Lyon, Univ Gustave Eiffel, Univ Claude Bernard Lyon 1, LBMC UMR T_9406, 69622, Lyon, France.
| | - Mickaël Begon
- School of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Research Center of the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia Duprey
- Univ Lyon, Univ Gustave Eiffel, Univ Claude Bernard Lyon 1, LBMC UMR T_9406, 69622, Lyon, France
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Minder U, Arnet U, Müller E, Boninger M, Bossuyt FM. Changes in neuromuscular activation, heart rate and rate of perceived exertion over the course of a wheelchair propulsion fatigue protocol. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1220969. [PMID: 37920802 PMCID: PMC10619735 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1220969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Shoulder pain is common in persons with spinal cord injury and has been associated with wheelchair use. Fatigue related compensation strategies have been identified as possibly impacting the development of shoulder injury and pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the progression of performance fatigability (i.e., decline in objective measure of performance including neuromuscular activation and increase in heart rate) and perceived fatigability (i.e., increased perceived exertion) during a 15-min fatigue protocol including maximum voluntary overground wheelchair propulsion. Fifty participants with paraplegic spinal cord injury completed three 4-min rounds of wheelchair propulsion, separated by 90 s of rest, on a figure-8 course consisting of two turns and full stops per lap in their manual wheelchairs (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03153033). Electromyography (EMG) signal of five muscles acting on the shoulder joint, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at the beginning and end of every 4 min of propulsion. Root Mean Square (RMS) and Mean Power Frequency were calculated from EMG data. There was a significant increase in %RMS of the pectoralis major pars sternalis and trapezius pars descendens, HR, and RPE with greatest changes during the first 4 min of the protocol. The observed changes in neuromuscular activation in only two of the shoulder muscles may impact muscular imbalances and the development of shoulder injuries and should be further studied. The current study gives clearer insight into the mechanisms of performance fatigability and perceived fatigability throughout a wheelchair propulsion fatigue protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursina Minder
- Neuro-musculoskeletal Functioning and Mobility Groupe, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Ursina Arnet
- Neuro-musculoskeletal Functioning and Mobility Groupe, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Erich Müller
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Boninger
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Fransiska M. Bossuyt
- Neuro-musculoskeletal Functioning and Mobility Groupe, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
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Santana L, Fachin-Martins E, Borges DL, Tenório Cavalcante JG, Babault N, Neto FR, Quagliotti Durigan JL, Marqueti RDC. Neuromuscular disorders in women and men with spinal cord injury are associated with changes in muscle and tendon architecture. J Spinal Cord Med 2023; 46:742-752. [PMID: 35196216 PMCID: PMC10446789 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2022.2035619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to determine the association between neuromuscular function, motor function impairment, and muscle and tendon structures in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to a control (non-disabled) population. DESIGN A cross-sectional study with a control group. SETTING Center of Adapted Sports Training and Special Physical Education. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen individuals with SCI and motor function impairments participated in the study. A paired non-disabled group was recruited for comparison. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. OUTCOME MEASURES Muscle (biceps brachii, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and tibialis anterior) and tendon (quadriceps and patellar tendons) structures were assessed by ultrasound imaging (thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, and echogenicity). Neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders were also assessed using electrodiagnosis techniques (stimulus non-responsivity and chronaxie) in the same muscles. RESULTS Except for the biceps brachii muscle, muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length were lower (p < 0.01) while echogenicity and chronaxie were greater (p < 0.01) in SCI participants. The SCI participants had a higher prevalence of neuromuscular electrophysiological disorders for all muscles, except the biceps brachii. CONCLUSION Neuromuscular disorders occur in association with muscle and tendon maladaptation in individuals with chronic SCI. A higher prevalence of electrophysiological disorders suggests an acquired polyneuromyopathy for muscles with motor function impairment even though the muscle was innerved, in addition to widespread muscle atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Santana
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Emerson Fachin-Martins
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - David Lobato Borges
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | | | - Nicolas Babault
- Centre d'Expertise de la Performance G. Cometti, U1093-INSERM, CAPS, Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Dijon, France
| | | | - João Luiz Quagliotti Durigan
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Marqueti
- Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Universidade de Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
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de Vries WHK, van der Slikke RMA, van Dijk MP, Arnet U. Real-Life Wheelchair Mobility Metrics from IMUs. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:7174. [PMID: 37631711 PMCID: PMC10458841 DOI: 10.3390/s23167174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Daily wheelchair ambulation is seen as a risk factor for shoulder problems, which are prevalent in manual wheelchair users. To examine the long-term effect of shoulder load from daily wheelchair ambulation on shoulder problems, quantification is required in real-life settings. In this study, we describe and validate a comprehensive and unobtrusive methodology to derive clinically relevant wheelchair mobility metrics (WCMMs) from inertial measurement systems (IMUs) placed on the wheelchair frame and wheel in real-life settings. The set of WCMMs includes distance covered by the wheelchair, linear velocity of the wheelchair, number and duration of pushes, number and magnitude of turns and inclination of the wheelchair when on a slope. Data are collected from ten able-bodied participants, trained in wheelchair-related activities, who followed a 40 min course over the campus. The IMU-derived WCMMs are validated against accepted reference methods such as Smartwheel and video analysis. Intraclass correlation (ICC) is applied to test the reliability of the IMU method. IMU-derived push duration appeared to be less comparable with Smartwheel estimates, as it measures the effect of all energy applied to the wheelchair (including thorax and upper extremity movements), whereas the Smartwheel only measures forces and torques applied by the hand at the rim. All other WCMMs can be reliably estimated from real-life IMU data, with small errors and high ICCs, which opens the way to further examine real-life behavior in wheelchair ambulation with respect to shoulder loading. Moreover, WCMMs can be applied to other applications, including health tracking for individual interest or in therapy settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rienk M. A. van der Slikke
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 Delft, The Netherlands; (R.M.A.v.d.S.); (M.P.v.D.)
- Human Kinetic Technology, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, 2521 The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Marit P. van Dijk
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 Delft, The Netherlands; (R.M.A.v.d.S.); (M.P.v.D.)
| | - Ursina Arnet
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zächstrasse 4, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland;
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Luo J, Gama Z, Gesang D, Liu Q, Zhu Y, Yang L, Bai D, Xiao M. Real-life experience of accepting assistive device services for Tibetans with dysfunction: A qualitative study. Int J Nurs Sci 2022; 10:104-110. [PMID: 36860713 PMCID: PMC9969061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to understand the real-life experiences of Tibetans in China with dysfunction in the process of accepting assistive device services and to provide a reference for service quality improvement and policy formulation. Methods Semi-structured personal interviews were used to collect data. Ten Tibetans with dysfunction representing three categories of different economic level areas in Lhasa, Tibet were selected to participate in the study by purposive sampling method from September to December 2021. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Results The results present three themes and seven sub-themes: identification of tangible benefits from assistive devices (enhancing self-care ability for persons with dysfunction, assisting family members with caregiving and promoting harmonious family relationships), problems and burdens (difficulty in accessing professional services and cumbersome processes, not knowing how to use it correctly, psychological burden: fear of falling and stigmatization), and needs and expectations (providing social support to reduce the cost of use, enhancing the accessibility of barrier-free facilities at the grassroots level and improving the environment for the use of assistive devices). Conclusion A proper understanding of the problems and challenges faced by Tibetans with dysfunction in the process of accepting assistive device services, focusing on the real-life experiences of people with functional impairment, and proposing targeted suggestions for improving and optimizing the user experience can provide reference and basis for future intervention studies and related policy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Luo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhujizhaba Gama
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital, Tibet, China
| | - Deji Gesang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital, Tibet, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lining Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dingqun Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingzhao Xiao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China,Corresponding author.
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Arnet U, de Vries WH, Eriks-Hoogland I, Wisianowsky C, van der Woude LHV, Veeger DHEJ, Berger M. MRI evaluation of shoulder pathologies in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury and the relation to shoulder pain. J Spinal Cord Med 2022; 45:916-929. [PMID: 33617411 PMCID: PMC9661987 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2021.1881238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the number, specifics and co-occurrence of shoulder pathologies detected by MRI in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury and to evaluate the association between shoulder pathologies and presence of shoulder pain. DESIGN Cross-sectional observation study. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-one wheelchair-dependent persons with spinal cord injury (44 males, 7 females, median age 50 years (IQR 14), median time since injury 24 years (IQR 16)) were allocated to pain or no-pain group based on the Wheelchair User Shoulder Pain Index. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. OUTCOME MEASURES All persons underwent shoulder MRI. Pathologies were scored blinded by two experienced radiologists. Participant characteristics, number and severity of shoulder pathologies were analyzed descriptively. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between MRI findings and shoulder pain. RESULTS The median number of co-occurring MRI findings per person ranged from 0 to 19 (out of 31 possible findings). The cluster of MRI findings occurring most often together were tendon tears of supraspinatus (present in 84%), subscapularis (69%) and biceps (67%) and osteoarthritis of acromioclavicular joint (80%). When correcting for age and time since injury, the logistic regression showed no statistically significant correlation between the individual pathologies and shoulder pain. CONCLUSION MRI findings of shoulder pathology are very frequent in persons with and without shoulder pain. Therefore, when diagnosing the cause of shoulder pain and planning interventions, health care professionals should keep this finding in mind and MRI should not be interpreted without careful consideration of clinical history and functional testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursina Arnet
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland,Correspondence to: Ursina Arnet, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zächstrasse 4, 6207, Nottwil, Switzerland; Ph: +41 41 939 65 99.
| | - Wiebe H. de Vries
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Lucas H. V. van der Woude
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands,Center for Rehabilitation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - DirkJan H. E. J. Veeger
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
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Pradon D, Garrec E, Vaugier I, Weissland T, Hugeron C. Effect of power-assistance on upper limb biomechanical and physiological variables during a 6-minute, manual wheelchair propulsion test: a randomised, cross-over study. Disabil Rehabil 2022; 44:6783-6787. [PMID: 34546807 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1973586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Use of a power-assistance wheelchair could reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), however, a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation of these systems has not been carried out. This study aimed to evaluate and compare biomechanical UL propulsion variables, and physiological exercise-related variables during the use of a wheelchair with rear drive power assist device (RD-PAD) and a standard manual wheelchair (MW). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-two adults with spinal cord injury were recruited. RD-PAD (SmartDrive system) was fitted to their own MW. An instrumented wheel was used to measure handrim forces, and gas exchange and heart rate were monitored. Participants performed repeated out and back runs for 6 min on a straight outdoor course. RESULTS Distance covered was significantly greater with the RD-PAD (538 ± 104 m versus 470 ± 124 m). Peak mechanical effort during the propulsion phase was significantly lower with the RD-PAD (p < 0.001). Heart rate, metabolic equivalent of task (MET), tidal volume, minute volume, oxygen consumption, and peak oxygen consumption were all significantly lower with the RD-PAD (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results showed that use of RD-PAD increased the distance covered by MW users and reduced the energy costs of propulsion. The biomechanical results indirectly suggest that RD-PAD may reduce the risk of MSD.Implications for RehabilitationUsing the SmartDrive system as propulsion assistance increases the travel autonomy.The SmartDrive system reduces the biomechanical constraints propelling the wheelchair on a slope and low slope.SmartDrive the system reduces the physiological solicitation related to the propulsion of wheelchair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Pradon
- UMR 1179 End:icap, INSERM UVSQ, Garches, France.,CHU Raymond Poincaré APHP, Garches, France.,ISPC-Synergies, Garches, France
| | - Elodie Garrec
- UMR 1179 End:icap, INSERM UVSQ, Garches, France.,CHU Raymond Poincaré APHP, Garches, France.,Fondation Garches, Garches, France
| | - Isabelle Vaugier
- CHU Raymond Poincaré APHP, Garches, France.,CIC 1429 INSERM APHP, Garches, France
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de Vries WHK, Amrein S, Arnet U, Mayrhuber L, Ehrmann C, Veeger HEJ. Classification of Wheelchair Related Shoulder Loading Activities from Wearable Sensor Data: A Machine Learning Approach. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22197404. [PMID: 36236503 PMCID: PMC9570805 DOI: 10.3390/s22197404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Shoulder problems (pain and pathology) are highly prevalent in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. These problems lead to limitations in activities of daily life (ADL), labor- and leisure participation, and increase the health care costs. Shoulder problems are often associated with the long-term reliance on the upper limbs, and the accompanying "shoulder load". To make an estimation of daily shoulder load, it is crucial to know which ADL are performed and how these are executed in the free-living environment (in terms of magnitude, frequency, and duration). The aim of this study was to develop and validate methodology for the classification of wheelchair related shoulder loading ADL (SL-ADL) from wearable sensor data. Ten able bodied participants equipped with five Shimmer sensors on a wheelchair and upper extremity performed eight relevant SL-ADL. Deep learning networks using bidirectional long short-term memory networks were trained on sensor data (acceleration, gyroscope signals and EMG), using video annotated activities as the target. Overall, the trained algorithm performed well, with an accuracy of 98% and specificity of 99%. When reducing the input for training the network to data from only one sensor, the overall performance decreased to around 80% for all performance measures. The use of only forearm sensor data led to a better performance than the use of the upper arm sensor data. It can be concluded that a generalizable algorithm could be trained by a deep learning network to classify wheelchair related SL-ADL from the wearable sensor data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabrina Amrein
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zachstrasse 4, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Hönggerberg Campus, ETH Zurich, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ursina Arnet
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zachstrasse 4, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Laura Mayrhuber
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zachstrasse 4, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Ehrmann
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zachstrasse 4, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - H. E. J. Veeger
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
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Arnet U, Boninger ML, Cools A, Bossuyt FM. Effect of Fatiguing Wheelchair Propulsion and Weight Relief Lifts on Subacromial Space in Wheelchair Users. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:849629. [PMID: 36189050 PMCID: PMC9397688 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.849629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify targets of intervention for reducing shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) by (1) examining changes in subacromial space [acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and occupation ratio (OccRatio)] with fatiguing wheelchair propulsion, and different loading conditions [unloaded position vs. weight relief lifts (WRL)]; (2) associating these changes with wheelchair user capacity, as well as (3) identifying subject characteristics associated with subacromial space, such as sex, lesion level, time since injury, body mass index and impaired shoulder range of motion.MethodsFifty manual wheelchair users with SCI [11 females, age = 50.5 (9.7) years, time since injury = 26.2 (11.4) years] participated in this quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study. Ultrasound images were used to define AHD during an unloaded position, and during personal and instructed WRL before and after fatiguing wheelchair propulsion. Furthermore, supraspinatus and biceps thickness defined from ultrasound images were used to calculate OccRatios. Wheelchair user capacity was quantified as functional strength (maximum resultant force reached during maximum isometric forward push) and anaerobic work capacity (highest power output reached during 15-m sprint test). Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression analyses controlling for between subject variability and covariables were performed to address the research questions.ResultsAHD was significantly smaller during personal WRL (p < 0.001) and instructed WRL (p = 0.009, AHD both 11.5 mm) compared to the unloaded position (11.9 mm). A higher wheelchair user capacity (higher anaerobic work capacity) reduced the impact of WRL on AHD decrease. The fatiguing wheelchair propulsion had no effect on AHD (p = 0.570) and on OccRatio of supraspinatus (p = 0.404) and biceps (p = 0.448). Subject characteristics related to a larger subacromial space were lower lesion level, shorter time since injury, impaired external rotation, a lower body mass index and a higher anaerobic work capacity.ConclusionThis study showed a significant reduction in AHD during WRL with no effect of fatiguing wheelchair propulsion on the subacromial space in wheelchair users with SCI. A higher anaerobic work capacity was beneficial in stabilizing the shoulder during WRL. Our findings may assist clinicians in designing a shoulder injury prevention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursina Arnet
- Shoulder Health and Mobility Group, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Ursina Arnet
| | - Michael L. Boninger
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ann Cools
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fransiska M. Bossuyt
- Shoulder Health and Mobility Group, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Bossuyt FM, Mason BS, Briley S, O'Brien TJ, Boninger ML, Arnet U, Goosey-Tolfrey VL. Shoulder Tendon Adaptations Following a Graded Exercise Test to Exhaustion in Highly Trained Wheelchair Rugby Athletes With Different Impairments. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 2:755466. [PMID: 36188798 PMCID: PMC9397820 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.755466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to identify acute changes in biceps and supraspinatus tendon characteristics before and after a graded exercise test to exhaustion (GXT) in highly trained wheelchair rugby (WR) athletes. A secondary aspect was to define chronic tendon adaptations related to the impairment of the athlete and the occupation of the tendon within the subacromial space (occupation ratio). Methods Twelve WR athletes with different impairments (age = 32 ± 6 years; body mass = 67.2 ± 11.2 kg; 9.0 ± 3.6 years competing) volunteered for this study. Performance Corrected Wheelchair Users Shoulder Pain Index was used to quantify shoulder pain. Quantitative Ultrasound Protocols (QUS) were used to define supraspinatus and biceps tendon thickness, echogenicity, and echogenicity ratio of both dominant and non-dominant shoulder before and after the GXT including 22 ± 3.1 min submaximal propulsion and 10.2 ± 1.7 min maximal propulsion on a treadmill. Furthermore, the acromio-humeral distance (AHD) defined from ultrasound (US) images was used to calculate the occupation ratios. Results A mixed-effect multilevel analysis that included shoulder as grouping variable, demonstrated a significant reduction in the echogenicity of the biceps following GXT whilst controlling for impairment [spinal cord injury (SCI) and non-SCI] and the occupation ratio (β = −9.01, SEβ = 2.72, p = 0.001, 95% CI = [−14.34; −3.68]). This points toward fluid inflow into the tendon that may be related to overload and acute inflammation. In addition, persons with a SCI (n = 8) had a thicker supraspinatus tendon in comparison to persons with non-SCI (n = 3) which may be related to chronic tendon adaptations (β = −0.53 mm, SEβ = 0.26, p = 0.038, 95% CI = [−1.04; −0.03]). Finally, a greater occupation ratio was associated with signs of tendinopathy (i.e., greater biceps and supraspinatus tendon thickness, and lower supraspinatus echogenicity and echogenicity ratio). Conclusion Acute biceps tendon adaptations in response to the GXT in highly trained WR athletes were evident with chronic adaptations in the supraspinatus tendon being related to the impairment of the athlete. Ultrasound can be used to monitor tendon adaptations in WR athletes for medical diagnosis to assist the scheduling and type of training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fransiska Marie Bossuyt
- Shoulder, Health and Mobility Group, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Fransiska Marie Bossuyt
| | - Barry S. Mason
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Briley
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J. O'Brien
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Michael L. Boninger
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ursina Arnet
- Shoulder, Health and Mobility Group, Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Louise Goosey-Tolfrey
- Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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Gala-Alarcón P, Prieto-Gómez V, Bailón-Cerezo J, Yuste-Sánchez MJ, Arranz-Martín B, Torres-Lacomba M. Changes in shoulder outcomes using ultrasonographic assessment of breast cancer survivors: a prospective longitudinal study with 6-month follow-up. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23016. [PMID: 34837018 PMCID: PMC8626448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02379-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to describe changes in supraspinatus tendon thickness, acromiohumeral distance, and the presence of fluid in the subacromial bursa as measured by ultrasound, as well as shoulder range of motion and strength, perceived shoulder disability, and health-related quality of life in women before and after breast cancer treatment. Women who underwent surgery for unilateral breast cancer who did not suffer from shoulder pain or difficulty performing activities of daily living in the 6 months prior to surgery were included. One pre-surgical (A0) and three post-surgical assessments at 7-10 days (A1), 3 months (A2), and 6 months (A3) after surgery were carried out. The thickness of the supraspinatus tendon on the affected side decreased between post-surgical (A1) and 6-month (A3) follow-up assessments (p = 0.029), although the minimal detectable change was not reached. The active range of motion of the affected shoulder decreased after surgery. Strength changes were observed in both shoulders after surgery. The intensity of shoulder pain increased between post-surgical and 6-month follow-up assessments. Shoulder function was decreased at the post-surgical assessment and increased throughout the follow-ups. Health-related quality of life declined after surgery. A trend of decreasing thickness of the supraspinatus tendon of the affected shoulder was observed. Detecting these possible structural changes early would allow for early or preventive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Gala-Alarcón
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Prieto-Gómez
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Bailón-Cerezo
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Yuste-Sánchez
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Arranz-Martín
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Torres-Lacomba
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805, Madrid, Spain
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Changes to Biceps and Supraspinatus Tendons in Response to a Progressive Maximal Treadmill-Based Propulsion Aerobic Fitness Test in Manual Wheelchair Users: A Quantitative Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Study. Rehabil Res Pract 2021; 2021:6663575. [PMID: 33747566 PMCID: PMC7943286 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6663575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate if the completion of a recently developed treadmill-based wheelchair propulsion maximal progressive workload incremental test alters the integrity of the long head of the biceps and supraspinatus tendons using musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging biomarkers. Method Fifteen manual wheelchair users completed the incremental test. Ultrasound images of the long head of the biceps and supraspinatus tendons were recorded before, immediately after, and 48 hours after the completion of the test using a standardized protocol. Geometric, composition, and texture-related ultrasound biomarkers characterized tendon integrity. Results Participants propelled during 10.2 ± 2.9 minutes with the majority (N = 13/15) having reached at least the eighth stage of the test (speed = 0.8 m/s; slope = 3.6°). All ultrasound biomarkers characterizing tendon integrity, measured in the longitudinal and transversal planes for both tendons, were similar (p = 0.063 to 1.000) across measurement times. Conclusion The performance of the motorized treadmill wheelchair propulsion test to assess aerobic fitness produced no changes to ultrasound biomarkers of the biceps or supraspinatus tendons. Hence, there was no ultrasound imaging evidence of a maladaptive response due to overstimulation in these tendons immediately after and 48 hours after the performance of the test.
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