Title: Kinematic Characteristics and Energy Expenditure during Manual Wheelchair Propulsion: A Comparison of Two Stroking Techniques in Non-experienced Users

Abstract approved: t ' Joonko/Yun Manual wheelchair propulsion is a physiologically stressful and biomechanically inefficient form of locomotion. The repetitious nature of propulsion puts wheelchair uses at high risk for developingupper extremity overuse injuries. Previous kinematic analysis has revealed that wheelchair users employ several distinct stroking techniques. One of the techniques, circular pattern (CP), may be recommended to prevent injuries in the upper extremity because of lower cadence, greater ratio of push time to recovery time, and lower joint accelerations. However, another technique, single-loop over pattern (SLP) is most commonly used among actual wheelchair users. A possible reason for this was that SLP may be related to lower energy expenditure required for propulsion. Organisms have a natural tendency, which is self-optimization process of motor performance. A movement pattern is adapted to minimize metabolic energy expenditure. SLP may result from this process. The purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics and energy expenditure o