Article

The objective of this study was to examine how surface electrical
stimulation of trunk musculature influences the kinematic, kinetic, and metabolic
characteristics, as well as shoulder muscle activity, during wheelchair
propulsion. METHODS: Eleven participants with spinal cord injury propelled their
own wheelchairs on a dynamometer at a speed of 1.3 m/s for three 5-minute trials.
During a propulsion trial, 1 of 3 stimulation levels (HIGH, LOW, and OFF) was
randomly applied to the participant's abdominal and back muscle groups with a
surface functional electrical stimulation device. Propulsion kinetics, trunk
kinematics, metabolic responses, and surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of
6 shoulder muscles were collected synchronously. Kinetic, kinematic, and EMG
variables were recorded during 3 time intervals (30 seconds each) within a
5-minute trial. Metabolic variables were recorded through the entire 5-minute
trial. RESULTS: Participants with HIGH stimulation increased their gross
mechanical efficiency (P=.05) during wheelchair propulsion. No differences were
found in shoulder EMG activity, energy expenditure, and trunk motion between
stimulation levels. CONCLUSION: Functional electrical stimulation on the trunk
musculature has potential advantages in helping manual wheelchair users with
spinal cord injury improve propulsion efficiency without placing additional
demands on shoulder musculature.

Langue : ANGLAIS