DEEP AND SUPERFICIAL TRUNK MUSCLE ACTIVATION DURING WHEELCHAIR PROPULSION

Abstract

Efficient manual wheelchair propulsion is essential for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), in their activities of daily life as well as for their participation in physical training and sports. The aim of this study in progress is to investigate the coordination of upper body muscles during wheelchair propulsion in persons with SCI at different spinal levels. Particular attention will be paid to the ability of persons with thoracic SCI, clinically classified as “complete”, to activate and coordinate their abdominal muscles.