Abstract
Abstract Aims: to evaluate how the act of holding a tennis racket influences the application of forces in the handrim during manual wheelchair propulsion at a self-selected comfortable speed and sprint. Methods: A case study was conducted with an experienced wheelchair tennis player who propelled the wheelchair in a straightforward trajectory at two different velocities (self-selected comfortable speed and sprint) in two different conditions (freehand and holding the racket). Kinetic and temporal data of the pushes were obtained with the SmartWheel system attached in substitution to the conventional rear wheel at the dominant side of the player. Results: holding the racket affects the propulsion pattern mainly when an accelerated movement is required (sprint). Compared to the propulsion at a self-selected speed, propelling the chair as fast as possible with the racket in hands resulted in lower total and tangential forces on the handrim, and decreased push time and increased push frequency. Conclusion: Such influence on both kinetic and temporal propulsion impact the mechanical efficiency of the manual wheelchair propulsion, which may, ultimately, affect the sport´s performance. Special attention should be directed to the propulsion training with the racket in maneuvers and motions that are characteristic of the wheelchair tennis match in an attempt to provide the athlete with proper technique for optimal propulsion efficiency and sports performance.
Highlights
Manual wheelchairs have been used as the main means of mobility by many people with disabilities that have affected the ability to walk
In the current case study, we investigated how the act of holding a racket influences the efficiency of manual wheelchair propulsion over the ground at two different velocities: self-selected and sprint mode
Investigating the factors that influence propulsion kinetics in different maneuvers and actions that are characteristic of wheelchair tennis may provide information on how to improve overall athlete’s performance, as well as to reduce the risk of upper limb injuries
Summary
Manual wheelchairs have been used as the main means of mobility by many people with disabilities that have affected the ability to walk. The long-term use of manual wheelchairs has been associated with a high prevalence of injuries due to the biomechanical loads on the upper limbs[1,2]. Despite the potential benefits of these systems, still, manual propulsion remains the main means of independent mobility with manual wheelchairs. When it comes to the use of wheelchairs in sports practice, the prevalence of shoulder complaints is relatively high, with pain being the most common in wheelchair athletes[8]. This context highlights the need for initiatives to preserve upper limb function. The proper wheelchair prescription and configuration, training of propulsion technique and muscle strengthening are factors that influence the propulsion efficiency and may contribute to the safe wheelchair usage[9,10,11,12]
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