Impact of gender on shoulder torque and manual wheelchair usage for individuals with paraplegia: A preliminary report

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of women with spinal cord injury is increasing, and their unique attributes, specifically shoulder strength and community wheelchair propulsion, merit attention. Results: Shoulder torques were 62%-96% greater in men than women, average daily distance traveled was greater for men, and average speeds were similar. Conclusions: Community wheelchair propulsion speed was similar between men and women but men were significantly stronger, therefore daily mobility requires a higher relative effort for women's shoulder muscles. This demand may increase susceptibility to fatigue and development of shoulder pain in women. © 2009 Thomas Land Publishers, Inc.