Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40841636›Full record

ArticleBMC musculoskeletal disorders2025

Influence of time since injury and physical activity level on upper limb kinematics and muscle activation during wheelchair propulsion in complete T12/L1 spinal cord injury.

San Hong, Hyunji Kim, Jooeun Ahn, Woojin Park

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

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1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

San Hong *Department of Industrial Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8464-1002
Hyunji Kim *Department of Physical Education, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2896-9329
Jooeun AhnDepartment of Physical Education, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea. ahnjooeun@snu.ac.kr.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7964-5148
Woojin ParkDepartment of Industrial Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea. woojinpark@snu.ac.kr.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5035-880X

Funding

Institute of Information & communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) RS-2022-II2209842Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism RS-2024-00396700Ministry of Health and Welfare HK23C0071National Research Foundation of Korea NRF-2024S1A5B5A17035174
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundWheelchair propulsion strategies vary widely among individuals with complete spinal cord injury (SCI), yet research typically focuses on differences between injury levels rather than variability within the same level. This study investigated how physical activity (PA) level and time since injury affect wheelchair propulsion biomechanics in individuals with identical T12/L1 SCI classification.

methodsEleven participants with complete T12/L1 SCI performed wheelchair propulsion at maximum and self-selected speeds. Joint kinematics and electromyography data were collected from six upper body muscles. Participants were categorized by time since injury (Short: < 10 years, Medium: 10-25 years, Long: ≥ 25 years) and physical activity level (Low, Moderate, High). Group differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests.

resultsSignificant differences in propulsion biomechanics were observed despite identical injury levels. Time since injury significantly affected elbow kinematics (p = 0.009) and biceps activity (p = 0.009), with the Long-time group showing increased elbow range of motion during maximum effort compared to the Medium-time group. PA level influenced trunk flexion (p = 0.036) and upper trapezius activity (p = 0.012), with the High-PA group demonstrating greater trunk flexion during maximum effort compared to the Low-PA group. Notably, propulsion velocity showed no significant differences between groups.

conclusionsWheelchair propulsion strategies vary significantly among individuals with identical SCI level, demonstrating that neurological classification alone does not determine movement patterns. The adaptive strategies observed in experienced and physically active wheelchair users suggest rehabilitation approaches should consider these factors beyond injury classification. These findings highlight the importance of promoting long-term PA participation and ongoing biomechanical adaptation throughout the lifespan of individuals with SCI.

Indexed as

ExerciseMuscle, SkeletalSpinal Cord InjuriesUpper ExtremityWheelchairsAdultBiomechanical PhenomenaElectromyographyFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedRange of Motion, ArticularThoracic VertebraeTime FactorsYoung AdultBiomechanicsDisability managementElectromyographyEnvironmental factorsMotion captureWheelchair propulsion

Identifiers

PMID40841636
PMCPMC12369138

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.