Development and evaluation of the ARM algorithm: A novel approach to quantify musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manual wheelchair users in the real world.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the ARM (arm repetitive movement) algorithm using inertial measurement unit (IMU) data to assess repetitive arm motion in manual wheelchair (MWC) users in real-world settings. The algorithm was tested on community data from four MWC users with spinal cord injury and compared with video-based analysis. Additionally, the algorithm was applied to in-home and free-living environment data from two and sixteen MWC users, respectively, to assess its utility in quantifying differences across activities of daily living and between dominant and non-dominant arms.

Performance enhancement of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal system using wire coils inside the cooling tube: numerical and experimental case.

There are several strict reasons to overcome the dependence on fossil fuels and count on renewable energy sources such as solar energy. In this study, a numerical/experimental investigation on a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal system is carried out. A hybrid system would achieve higher electrical efficiency by reducing panel surface temperature, and the heat transferred could have further benefits.

BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF PNEUMATIC SLEEVE ORTHOSIS FOR LOFSTRAND CRUTCHES.

Crutch walking, especially when using a swing-through gait pattern, is associated with high, repetitive joint forces, hyperextension/ulnar deviation of the wrist, and excessive palmar pressure that compresses the median nerve. To reduce these adverse effects, we designed a pneumatic sleeve orthosis that utilized a soft pneumatic actuator and secured to the crutch cuff for long-term Lofstrand crutch users. Eleven able-bodied young adult participants performed both swing-through and reciprocal crutch gait patterns with and without the custom orthosis for comparison.

Hand-rim biomechanics during geared manual wheelchair propulsion over different ground conditions in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Geared manual wheelchair wheels, a recently developed alternative propulsion mechanism, have the potential to alleviate the high upper extremity demands required for wheelchair propulsion and help decrease the risk of secondary injuries in manual wheelchair users. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of using geared manual wheelchairs on hand-rim biomechanics of wheelchair propulsion in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Seven manual wheelchair users with SCI propelled their wheelchairs equipped with geared wheels over tile, carpet, and up a ramp in low gear (gear ratio 1.

Progression of rotator cuff tendon pathology in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury: A 1-year longitudinal study.

To investigate the progression of rotator cuff tendon pathology across one year in manual wheelchair (MWC) users with spinal cord injury (SCI) and matched able-bodied individuals, and to explore the association between pain, age, and duration of wheelchair use with the progression of rotator cuff pathology. Longitudinal cohort study, 1-year follow-up. Outpatient clinic at a tertiary medical center.

Inertial Measurement Unit-Derived Ergonomic Metrics for Assessing Arm Use in Manual Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury: A Preliminary Report.

Background: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who use manual wheelchairs (MWCs) have a higher rate of rotator cuff pathology progression than able-bodied individuals.

Objectives: This study aimed to test the ability of risk and recovery metrics of arm use to differentiate between (1) MWC users with SCI and matched able-bodied participants (cross-sectional matched-sample study) and (2) MWC users with rotator cuff pathology progression over 1 year from those without pathology progression (longitudinal study).

Methods: Thirty-four MWC users and 34 age- and sex-matched able-bodied individuals were recruited.

Humeral elevation workspace during daily life of adults with spinal cord injury who use a manual wheelchair compared to age and sex matched able-bodied controls.

Shoulder pain and pathology are extremely common for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) who use manual wheelchairs (MWC). Although risky humeral kinematics have been measured during wheelchair-based activities performed in the lab, little is known about arm kinematics in the free-living environment. The purpose of this study was to measure the humeral elevation workspace throughout a typical day for individuals with SCI who use a MWC and matched able-bodied controls.

Duration of Static and Dynamic Periods of the Upper Arm During Daily Life of Manual Wheelchair Users and Matched Able-Bodied Participants: A Preliminary Report.

Manual wheelchair (MWC) users with spinal cord injuries (SCI) are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing rotator cuff pathology than able-bodied individuals. A deeper understanding of where the arm is used dynamically within the humeral workspace during daily life may help explain why MWC users have higher shoulder pathology rates than able-bodied individuals. The purpose of this study was to report the daily percentage and consecutive durations MWC users and matched able-bodied individuals (controls) spent static and dynamic across the humeral elevation workspace.

Application and Reliability of Accelerometer-Based Arm Use Intensities in the Free-Living Environment for Manual Wheelchair Users and Able-Bodied Individuals.

Arm use in manual wheelchair (MWC) users is characterized by a combination of overuse and a sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to describe the percentage of daily time MWC users and able-bodied individuals spend in each arm use intensity level utilizing accelerometers. Arm use intensity levels of the upper arms were defined as stationary, low, mid, and high from the signal magnitude area (SMA) of the segment accelerations based on in-lab MWC activities performed by eight MWC users.

Shoulder magnetic resonance imaging findings in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury.

To investigate the prevalence of rotator cuff and long head of the biceps pathologies in manual wheelchair (MWC) users with spinal cord injury (SCI). Cross-sectional study. Outpatient clinic at a tertiary medical center.

A comparison of glenohumeral joint kinematics and muscle activation during standard and geared manual wheelchair mobility.

The high prevalence of upper extremity joint injuries among manual wheelchair users is largely attributed to the high repetitive loading during propulsion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of using geared wheels for manual wheelchair mobility on shoulder joint biomechanics. Fourteen able-bodied participants performed overground propulsion and ramp ascension using standard and geared manual wheelchair wheels.

Glenohumeral joint dynamics and shoulder muscle activity during geared manual wheelchair propulsion on carpeted floor in individuals with spinal cord injury.

This study investigated the effects of using geared wheels on glenohumeral joint dynamics and shoulder muscle activity during manual wheelchair propulsion. Seven veterans with spinal cord injury propelled their wheelchairs equipped with geared wheels over a carpeted floor in low gear (1.5:1) and standard gear (1:1) conditions.

Evaluation of shoulder joint kinematics and muscle activity during geared and standard manual wheelchair mobility.

Manual wheelchairs often lead to reduced independent function and an increase in shoulder pain and injuries. Geared manual wheelchairs may be a promising alternative that reduces the biomechanical demands of the shoulder needed for tasks such as propulsion on ramps and carpeted floors, while maximizing function and participation. To investigate the effects of geared manual wheelchair mobility during demanding tasks such as ramp ascent, six able-bodied subjects were evaluated in this study.

Evaluation of a wrist orthosis on lofstrand crutch-assisted gait.

Lofstrand, or forearm, crutches are a common assistive mobility device for those with functional impairments. However, repeated loading of the wrist and palmar region and continual hyperextension of the wrist during Lofstrand crutch usage may cause wrist strain, pain, and secondary injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In order to reduce risk of injury, a novel wrist orthosis was developed with the intent of improving wrist posture and reducing/redirecting palmar loads from the carpal tunnel region to the adductor pollicis area.