Lee Sang-Yeol, Kim Seon-Chill, Lee Myoung-Hee, Lee Young-Ik
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Science, Kyungsung University, Republic of Korea.
J Phys Ther Sci. 2013 Oct;25(10):1231-3. doi: 10.1589/jpts.25.1231. Epub 2013 Nov 20.
[Purpose] This study aims to improve the safety for caregivers and avoid musculoskeletal diseases by examining the shoulder and trunk muscle activity depending on wheelchair handle height as the caregiver provides propulsion to a wheelchair for wheelchair-bound patients. [Subjects] The participants were caregivers who met the criteria for this study (n=30). [Methods] To determine the activity of the shoulder and trunk muscles of caregivers depending on the handle height, the muscle activity was measured as a wheelchair was being pushed under three height conditions. [Results] According to the study results, the deltoid middle fiber, serratus anterior muscle, rhomboid muscle, and erector spinalis of lumbar part showed significantly low muscle activity at a height that produced an elbow joint flexion angle of 30°. Caregivers are highly likely to develop musculoskeletal disease if the handle height is excessively low. In addition, the burden on the shoulder and back muscles can be reduced at heights that lead to flexion of 30°. [Conclusions] As a caregiver pushes a wheelchair, the handle height has a close relationship with the burden on the shoulder and back muscles. If the handle height is excessively low, the caregiver is highly likely to develop musculoskeletal disease.
[目的] 本研究旨在通过在照顾者为轮椅使用者推动轮椅时，根据轮椅把手高度检查肩部和躯干肌肉活动，提高照顾者的安全性并避免肌肉骨骼疾病。[对象] 参与者为符合本研究标准的照顾者（n = 30）。[方法] 为了确定照顾者肩部和躯干肌肉活动与把手高度的关系，在三种高度条件下推动轮椅时测量肌肉活动。[结果] 根据研究结果，在产生30°肘关节屈曲角度的高度下，三角肌中束、前锯肌、菱形肌和腰段竖脊肌的肌肉活动显著降低。如果把手高度过低，照顾者极有可能患上肌肉骨骼疾病。此外，在导致屈曲30°的高度下，肩部和背部肌肉的负担可以减轻。[结论] 当照顾者推动轮椅时，把手高度与肩部和背部肌肉的负担密切相关。如果把手高度过低，照顾者极有可能患上肌肉骨骼疾病。
