GIH is looking for research participants to study mobility in wheelchairs

The following criteria are required to participate in the study

• 18-55 years old
• use a manual wheelchair in whole or in part in your everyday life
• have a neuromusculoskeletal disability, such as amputation, cerebral palsy, dysmelia, multiple sclerosis (MS), spina bifida, spinal cord injury, polio, etc
• at least 2 years since any spinal cord injury

The aim of the study is to investigate how functional impairment in your legs, trunk and arms affects your ability to drive a wheelchair. The goal is to promote physical activity and sports participation through increased understanding of the relationship between disability, wheelchair technology and the risk of overuse injuries in the shoulders and pressure ulcers.

What does the study entail?

Participating in the study includes measurements of muscle function (strength, coordination, balance) as well as wheelchair technique on the ergometer and in exercises in the sports hall. We will also examine your shoulders and areas at risk of pressure ulcers. Participating in the study takes about half a day, depending on which part of the study you want to participate in.

The study is being conducted at the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences. Participation will be compensated in the form of a gift card.

Further information

The study is part of the Swedish Parasport Academy where the long-term goal is to understand how the neuromusculoskeletal disability affects performance in activities of daily living, leisure time and sports.

For further information or interest in participating in the study, please contact the principal investigator
Anna Bjerkefors, Licensed Physiotherapist, Associate Professor at GIH, at anna.bjerkefors@gih.se