Practical application of shoulder biomechanics knowledge to wheelchair users

The shoulder joint is the most common site of musculoskeletal pain in people with spinal cord injuries who use manual wheelchairs. Current understanding of shoulder pathology in manual wheelchair users points to an etiology related to overuse of the shoulder joint that is not optimized for weight bearing, mobility, and performing activities of daily living from a seated position. With a renewed focus on studying the full range of functional activities beyond wheelchair propulsion, the shoulder biomechanics field is uncovering the importance of the daily demands placed on the shoulder in manual wheelchair users. Further, the field has expanded its use of advanced techniques that enables both (1) an accurate investigation of shoulder arthrokinematics and (2) understanding of the practical, daily demands placed on the shoulder. This presentation will highlight the latest findings and future directions of laboratory, imaging and real-world data that guides our understanding of shoulder health preservation