University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The influence of body position and user characteristics on peak skin pressure in elite wheelchair racers

Peters, Joseph Alexander

Content Files
PETERS-THESIS-2017.pdf

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/99358

Description

Title
The influence of body position and user characteristics on peak skin pressure in elite wheelchair racers
Author(s)
Peters, Joseph Alexander
Issue Date
2017-12-04
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Rice, Laura A.
Committee Member(s)
Rice, Ian M.
Department of Study
Kinesiology & Community Health
Discipline
Kinesiology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Date of Ingest
2018-03-13T15:48:50Z
Keyword(s)
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Wheelchair racing
  • Adaptive sport
  • Pressure
  • Skin
  • Injury
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the relationship between body position and user characteristics on peak skin pressures in elite wheelchair racers. Additionally, semi structured interviews were conducted to gain insight into participants’ knowledge, history and opinions of pressure-related injuries. 26 individuals with mobility impairments (mean age: 26.81±6.97) who had experience in wheelchair racing participated in the study. Peak pressure on the anterior portion of the lower legs was measured using a Tekscan Conformat pressure mat system while athletes were sitting in their racing chair motionless (static condition) and propelling on a dynamometer at approximately 15 mph. During static conditions the mean of the average peak pressure values was 889.06 mmHg (S.D.=318.36) and the mean of the max peak pressure values was 935.20 mmHg (S.D.=315.43). During dynamic conditions the mean of the average peak pressure values was 867.12 mmHg (S.D.=330.28) and the mean of the max peak pressure values was 1015.45 mmHg (S.D. 336.70). The results of the Pearson correlation showed that magnitude of peak pressure was related to kneeling tray incline (rp =.45, P=.04), duration of disability (rp=-.48, P=.03) and the use of customized equipment (rp =.56, P=.01) in the racing wheelchair. The results of the Spearman rank-order correlation revealed that peak pressure was not significantly correlated to level of tactile sensation (rs=-.33, P=.15). No significant correlations were observed between gender, BMI and stroke count with pressure. Preliminary data indicates that individuals with a longer duration of disability who reduce the incline of their kneeling tray and utilize customized equipment are at a lower risk for developing a pressure ulcer during sport participation. Future research should focus on other vulnerable regions of the body that are susceptible to pressure ulcer development such as the ischial, sacral, and trochanter regions.
Graduation Semester
2017-12
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/99358
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2017 Joseph Peters

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Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at Illinois
Dissertations and Theses - Kinesiology and Community Health