Motion analysis of wheelchair propulsion movements of hemiplegic patients: Effect of a wheelchair cushion on the initiation of propulsion

Purpose The objective of this study was to study the effect on the initiation of wheelchair propulsion from stationary sitting when pelvic posterior tilt was inhibited by a wheelchair cushion. [Subjects] The subjects were 18 hemiplegic patients who were capable of sitting in, and propelling a wheelchair. [Method] We used electromyography and a 3D motion analysis system to measure the posterior pelvic tilt angle, the muscle activity of the long head of the biceps femoris (BFLH), and the propulsion speed in the initiation of wheelchair propulsion from stationary sitting with three different types of cushion. [Results] The cushion which had the thigh pad removed on the propulsion side, having an anchor function, inhibited posterior pelvic tilt during initiation of propulsion from stationary sitting, BFLH activity was low, and fast propulsion was enabled. [Conclusion] The results suggest that inhibiting posterior pelvic tilt in stationary wheelchair sitting influences the propulsion initiation action.