Hand Rim Wheelchair Propulsion: Effect Of Single-Variable Biofeedback On The Mechanical Efficiency And Propulsion Biomechanics In Novice Able-Bodied Participants

Plaggenmarsch, C. (Corien) (2012) Hand Rim Wheelchair Propulsion: Effect Of Single-Variable Biofeedback On The Mechanical Efficiency And Propulsion Biomechanics In Novice Able-Bodied Participants. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.

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Abstract

Abstract Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of learning wheelchair propulsion with singlevariable biofeedback on the mechanical efficiency (ME) and on selected wheelchair propulsion variables. Secondary aim was to compare these effects to a natural learning group who did not receive a feedback intervention, but received a natural learning intervention of similar volume and intensity. Methods: 20 able-bodied subjects participated in this one-day study. A feedback group (FG) (N=lO) and a natural learning group (NLG) (N=lO) executed a similar dose of 80 minutes wheelchair propulsion, yet the interventions differed in nature: biofeedback vs. natural learning. All tests took place on a motor driven treadmill. The FG received single-variable biofeedback during the training on the following propulsion characteristics varying over time: braking moment, cadence, contact angle, peak force, push distance, smoothness and fraction of effective force (FEF). Wheelchair propulsion biomechanics were recorded with the Optipush wheel and -software. ME was derived from oxygen uptake, which was continuously measured with the Oxycon. Pre- and posttest, without biofeedback, consisted of 3*4 minutes wheelchair propulsion. There were 7 trials in between of 2*4 minutes, for the FG with- and for the NLG without biofeedback. To compare the FG with the NLG, last minute of the pre- and the posttest was analyzed. To analyze the feedback trials from the FG last minute of every trial was used and compared to the posttest. Results: Outcome measures push distance, cadence and contact angle showed significant improvements after the feedback intervention compared to the NLG. ME increased in the FG but no interaction effect of group*test was found. The single-variable biofeedback during feedback led to significant direct changes on push distance and cadence. Besides several significant indirect effects were found. Conclusion: This study could not show that ME improves more after a single-variable biofeedback intervention than after a natural learning intervention. But to improve propulsion variables feedback seems effective. Present study confirmed partly earlier findings that subjects are able to adapt to biofeedback conditions. Especially variables that are easy to understand, push distance, cadence, contact angle and peak force, seem to be more manipulable during feedback.

Item Type:	Thesis (Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Woude, Prof. dr. L.H.V. van der and Groot, Dr. S. de and University of Groningen and Center for Human Movement Sciences
Faculty:	Medical Sciences
Date Deposited:	25 Jun 2020 10:59
Last Modified:	25 Jun 2020 10:59
URI:	https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1924

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