Upper extremity problems in paraplegic patients: Review

WOS: 000254582300013The incidence of upper extremity problems has increased along with the prolonged mean lifespan in spinal cord injured people. Depending on a wheelchair for ambulation and for performing daily life activities, bones, joints and soft tissues of the upper extremities in such cases continuously bear weight and consequently several upper extremity problems develop. Therefore, people on wheelchairs should be trained for the necessity of protecting the upper extremities for the continuity of their independence. In addition to the protection of joints, training about upper extremity conditioning techniques including strengthening and flexibility programs should also be provided

Center-of-pressure displacement during postural changes in relation to pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients

Kanatli, Ulunay/0000-0002-9807-9305WOS: 000253342200002PubMed: 18287815Objective: To evaluate the center-of-pressure displacement in spinal cord-injured patients, to investigate dynamic sitting stability and its relationship with pressure ulcers. Design: Sixteen spinal cord-injured patients and 18 healthy volunteers were included in the study. For the assessment of dynamic sitting stability, center-of-pressure displacement during maximum unsupported forward, backward, and right- and left-sided trunk leaning were measured with a seat sensor system, which was placed between the subject's buttocks and chair. Results: Center-of-pressure displacements in all directions in spinal-injured patients were smaller than healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). Center-of-pressure displacements for high- and low-thoracic spinal cord-injured patients were not significantly different. History of previous pressure ulcer was not different between high- and low-thoracic spinal cord-injured patients (chi(2) = 0.90, P = 0.62). Mean center-of-pressure displacement during forward and backward leaning were smaller in patients with pressure ulcer history (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that impaired dynamic sitting stability is associated with pressure ulcer development