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Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Determining and Controlling External Power Output During Regular Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion
Published on: February 5, 2020
Scapular kinematics during manual wheelchair propulsion in able-bodied participants
Michel J Bekker1, Riemer J K Vegter2, Jan W van der Scheer2
1Swiss Paraplegic Research, Guido A. Zächstrasse 4, CH, 6207 Nottwil, Switzerland; Research Institute MOVE, Department of Human Movement Sciences, Free University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, NL, 1081BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, NL-9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
Background:
Altered scapular kinematics have been associated with shoulder pain and functional limitations. To understand kinematics in persons with spinal cord injury during manual handrim wheelchair propulsion, a description of normal scapular behaviour in able-bodied persons during this specific task is a prerequisite for accurate interpretation. The primary aim of this study is to describe scapular kinematics in able-bodied persons during manual wheelchair propulsion.
Methods:
Sixteen able-bodied, novice wheelchair users without shoulder complaints participated in the study. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during a standardized pose in the anatomic posture, frontal-plane arm elevation and low-intensity steady-state handrim wheelchair propulsion and upper-body Euler angles were calculated.
Findings:
Scapulothoracic joint orientations in a static position were 36.7° (SD 5.4°), 6.4° (SD 9.1°) and 9.1° (SD 5.7°) for respectively protraction, lateral rotation and anterior tilt. At 80° of arm elevation in the frontal plane, the respective values of 33.4° (SD 8.0°), 23.9° (SD 5.4°) and 4.1° (SD 11.3°) were found. During the push phase of manual wheelchair propulsion, the mean scapular rotations were respectively 32.7° (SD 7.1°), 7.1° (SD 9.2°) and 9.8° (SD 8.3°).
Interpretation:
The orientation of the scapula in a static pose, during arm elevation and in manual wheelchair propulsion in able-bodied participants showed similar patterns to a previous study in persons with para- and tetraplegia. These values provide a reference for the investigation of the scapular movement pattern in wheelchair-dependent persons and its relation to shoulder complex abnormalities.
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