• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제11권3호
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• pp.55-58
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• 2016

PURPOSE: This study was measured the differences in the flexor and extensor muscle activities of the elbow joints based on the tire pressure of wheelchairs during propulsion, investigating the optimal tire pressure for improving occupants' propulsion and avoiding related injury. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers (10 men aged $23.1{\pm}1.9years$, weight: $67.9{\pm}3.4kg$, height: $175.1{\pm}2.7cm$) took part in the study. The mean values used in the statistical process were obtained from values measured while a subject sitting on a wheelchair propelled himself forward for 10 meters on a flat floor at maximum speed. The tire pressure of the wheelchairs was set at 100 psi, 50 psi, and 25 psi. All of the subjects performed wheelchair propulsion for each pressure. This study was measured the activation of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscles on the dominant side during wheelchair propulsion. The measured data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) via the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 12.0 for Windows to compare the muscle activity. RESULTS: The muscle activities of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii were significant differences between each pressure group. The post hoc test found statistically significant differences between 100 psi and 50 psi and 100 psi and 25 psi for the biceps brachii and triceps brachii muscles, respectively. CONCLUSION: The maintaining proper tire pressure in a wheelchair may help to prevent overuse syndrome in the occupant's elbow joints.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.375-382
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• 2021

Purpose: The objectives of the present study were to investigate the disadvantages of tire pressure asymmetry of a wheelchair tire and recommend the criterion for appropriate tire pressure without generating negative changes in the musculoskeletal system in asymptomatic participants. Methods: Fourteen asymptomatic participants were asked to sit in pressure-controlled wheelchairs and perform desk work for 20 minutes in each tire condition. The asymmetry of the tire conditions was set as 0% difference, 25% difference, and 50% difference from the recommended pressure. The pelvic alignment and muscular recruitment represented as a flexion-relaxation ratio (FRR) were measured at pre-test, and after each condition of desk work. The displacement of the center of pressure (COP) was measured during the desk work. Results: The tire air pressure condition significantly affected the FRR and COP (P < 0.05). Both sides of the FRR values were significantly higher under the symmetrical tire conditions (0% difference) and pre-test, compared with the asymmetrical tire condition of 50% difference (P < 0.05). The mediolateral COP displacement of the asymmetrical tire conditions (25% and 50% difference) was significantly higher than that of the symmetrical tire conditions (0%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Asymmetrical tire conditions could cause changes in the muscle recruitment pattern of the erector spine and mediolateral COP displacement. Tire pressure asymmetry higher than 50% could be a risk factor for prevalence of back pain, so this level of asymmetry in tire pressures should be cautioned against for wheelchair users.