Impact of Gender on Shoulder Torque and Manual Wheelchair Usage for Individuals with Paraplegia: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of women with spinal cord injury is increasing, and their unique attributes merit attention, specifically, shoulder strength and community wheelchair propulsion.

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.