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Sex-Related Differences in Shoulder Complex Joint Dynamics Variability During Pediatric Manual Wheelchair Propulsion.
Joshua M Leonardis1,2,3, Alyssa J Schnorenberg4, Lawrence C Vogel5
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|November 20, 2023
Summary
Sex does not appear to influence shoulder joint dynamics variability in children with spinal cord injuries who use manual wheelchairs. This finding may impact understanding the lifetime risk of shoulder pain in this population.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Over 80% of adult manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries (SCI) develop shoulder pain.
- Females and individuals with reduced shoulder dynamics variability are at higher risk.
- Understanding sex-related differences in pediatric SCI may inform lifelong pain risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-based differences in 3-dimensional shoulder complex joint dynamics variability.
- To assess variability in pediatric manual wheelchair users with SCI during propulsion.
Main Methods:
- Studied 25 pediatric manual wheelchair users with SCI (12 females, 13 males).
- Quantified within-subject variability using the coefficient of variation.
- Utilized permutation tests with an adjusted alpha of P = .001 to compare sex-related differences.
Main Results:
- No significant sex-related differences were found in sternoclavicular or acromioclavicular joint kinematics.
- No significant sex-related differences were observed in glenohumeral joint dynamics variability (all P ≥ .042).
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest sex does not influence shoulder joint dynamics variability in pediatric SCI manual wheelchair users.
- Further research is needed to generalize these findings across different manual wheelchair user populations and age groups.
