The Influence of Physical Activity on the Shoulder Load and Ultrasonography Findings in Manual Wheelchair Users

The Influence of Physical Activity on the Shoulder Load and Ultrasonography Findings in Manual Wheelchair Users

The aim of this study was to determine whether physical activity affects the forces applied on the shoulder and the development of shoulder ultrasonography abnormalities in manual wheelchair users. Following a high intensity wheelchair propulsion test, changes in shoulder kinetics and ultrasound variables were compared in a group of 17 physically active (PA) and in 12 less physically active (LPA) wheelchair users (WUs). The variables analysed were shoulder kinetics and ultrasound variables at the beginning and at the end of the test. In both groups, the test increased the peak shoulder forces and moments in almost all directions, although these changes were stronger for horizontal and superior forces in PAWUs.