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A clinical guide to:

Musculoskeletal Pain

78% of wheelchair spinal cord injury users report

musculoskeletal shoulder pain

Flemmer et al. 2016

Musculoskeletal pain can decrease QOL, independence and function.

Flemmer et al. 2016

Clinical Recommendations

Evidence suggests that optimising a wheelchair by reducing its weight, enhancing adjustability and configuring it to meet the user’s specific needs can help minimise mechanical load and reduce pain.

Active / Ultralight Wheelchairs

Research indicates that adjustability and configuration of seat positions may prevent musculoskeletal pain related to wheelchair use.

  • Improved MWC propulsion can significantly improve shoulder pain
    Wellisch et al. 2022
  • Improved MWC design can reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders
    Marchiori et al. 2024

User Benefits

Research shows that using an active / ultralightweight MWC can reduce shoulder pain.

1. Reduce pain

  • Adjustments in seating position, backrest angle, and axle placement, enhancing ergonomics and reducing strain on the user's body, which contributes to pain relief
    Fritsch et al. 2022

2. Wheelchair fit

  • Adjustable wheelchairs enhance user comfort and optimise propulsion techniques, reducing physical demands on the upper body, thereby decreasing shoulder pain
    Liampas et al. 2021

3. Sitting tolerance

  • Customisable wheelchairs improve seating tolerance, enabling users to engage in a broader range of activities comfortably
    Ferretti et al. 2022

Considerations

Consider the use of cushioned or contoured seating to support proper posture and redistribute the pressure that can lead to discomfort and injury.

Incorporate flexibility and stretching routines to maintain joint health and prevent stiffness, which can contribute to repetitive strain injuries.