Effect of backrest height on wheelchair propulsion biomechanics for level and uphill conditions

To evaluate the effect of backrest height on wheelchair propulsion kinematics and kinetics.

An intervention study with repeated measures.

University laboratory.

Convenience sample included manual wheelchair users (N=36; 26 men and 10 women) with spinal cord injuries ranging from T8 to L2.

Participants propelled on a motor-driven treadmill for 2 conditions (level and slope of 3°) at a constant speed of 0.9 m/s while using in turn a sling backrest fixed at 40.6 cm (16 in) high (high backrest) and a lower height set at 50% trunk length (low backrest).

Cadence, stroke angle, peak shoulder extension angle, shoulder flexion/extension range of motion, and mechanical effective force.

Pushing with the low backrest height enabled greater range of shoulder motion (P<.01), increased stroke angle (P<.01), push time (P<.01), and reduced cadence (P=.01) regardless of whether the treadmill was level or sloped.

A lower cadence can be achieved when pushing with a lower backrest, which decreases the risk of developing upper-limb overuse related injuries. However, postural support, comfort, and other activities of daily living must also be considered when selecting a backrest height for active, long-term wheelchair users. The improvements found when using the low backrest were found regardless of slope type. Pushing uphill demanded significantly higher resultant and tangential force, torque, mechanical effective force, and cadence.