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Reliability of biomechanical variables during wheelchair ergometry testing
Margaret A Finley1, Mary M Rodgers, Elizabeth K Rasch
1University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy, Baltimore 21201-1082, USA. mfinley@som.umaryland.edu
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|April 3, 2002
Summary
Wheelchair ergometer testing for propulsion mechanics is reliable for most biomechanical measures. Some joint kinematics, particularly wrist movements during fatigue, showed less reliability in this study.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Sports Science
Background:
- Wheelchair ergometer testing is crucial for understanding wheelchair propulsion mechanics.
- The test-retest reliability of kinematic and kinetic measures during wheelchair ergometry has not been previously established.
- Establishing reliability is essential for accurate biomechanical analysis in wheelchair users.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the test-retest reliability of biomechanical measurements obtained during wheelchair ergometer testing.
- To assess the reliability of kinematic and kinetic variables during a submaximal endurance test.
- To identify which biomechanical measures are most reliable for characterizing wheelchair propulsion.
Main Methods:
- Ten non-disabled subjects inexperienced in wheelchair propulsion participated.
- Subjects completed three separate submaximal fatigue tests on an instrumented wheelchair ergometer.
- Handrim kinetics and 3D kinematic data were collected, with reliability assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).
Main Results:
- The majority of handrim kinetics and temporal variables demonstrated good to excellent reliability (high ICC values).
- Joint kinematic variables showed variable reliability, with wrist movements being less reliable, especially under fatigued conditions.
- Analysis of variance indicated minimal significant differences between repeated tests for most variables.
Conclusions:
- Most biomechanical variables, including handrim kinetics and temporal measures, are reliable during wheelchair ergometer testing.
- Kinematic measures, particularly those involving wrist motion during fatigue, may be less reliable and require careful interpretation.
- These findings support the use of wheelchair ergometry for reliable biomechanical assessment of propulsion, with considerations for specific joint movements.