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

Peters, Joseph Alexander

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

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

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

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

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2017 Joseph Peters

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