The Measurement of Force and Endurance during Wheelchair Propulsion in Paraplegics Using BTE Work Simulator

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the force, endurance and influencing factors for wheelchair propulsion in paraplegics using BTE work simulator, and to find out a better method improving fitness levels for the paraplegics. METHOD: Seventeen paraplegic men were enrolled for the study. Isometirc and isotonic strength and dynamic endurance levels for wheelchair propulsion were measured using BTE work simulator. Neurological and demographical characteristics of patients were collected by personal interviews and direct examinations. RESULT: The spinal cord injured level showed a significant correlation with dynamic endurance (r=0.503, p<0.05) but not with the isometric and isotonic strength. The total duration of wheelchair use showed a significant correlation with the isotonic strength (r=0.497, p<0.05), but not with the isometric strength and dynamic endurance. The age and outdoor activities or exercise time during one week showed no significant correlation. CONCLUSION: Spinal cord injured level positively correlated with dynamic endurance. Both cardiorespiratory effect and trunk balance may influence this correlation. The total duration of wheelchair use wasn't correlate with dynamic endurnace. It seems to be more advisable trunk balance training goes with dynamic endurance training in rehabilitation program.

Deep Venous Thrombosis and Heterotopic Ossification in the Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence, time of onset, and risk factors of deep vein thrombosis asssociated with heterotopic ossification in patients with spinal cord injury. METHOD: The medical records of 201 patients with spinal cord injury were reviewed. Duplex ultrasound and/or venography were used for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and 3 phase bone scan and/or plain radiologic studies were used for the diagnosis of heterotopic ossification. RESULTS: Whereas the incidence of heterotopic ossification and deep vein thrombosis in this population were 10.0% and 4.5%, respectively, 55.5% of the individuals with deep vein thrombosis developed heterotopic ossification. The overall incidence of coexistence of deep vein thrombosis and heterotopic ossification was 2.5%. The significant difference between the occurrence of heterotopic ossification and deep vein thrombosis in this SCI population reached statistical significance (Fisher's exact test p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that there exists an association between the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and heterotopic ossification following SCI.

Suprascapular Nerve Injury Restricted to the Infraspinatus Muscle by a Ganglion Cyst: A case report

Suprascapular nerve injury restricted to the infraspinatus muscle is an uncommon condition. We present a 29 year-old man who complained of right shoulder pain and weakness for 8 months. Physical examination revealed atrophy of right infraspinatus muscle and T2 weighted MRI of the right shoulder revealed a mass with homogeneous high intensity at the spinoglenoid notch and atrophy of right infraspinatus muscle. EMG study revealed abnormal spontaneous activities and reduced recruitment pattern of motor units in right infraspinatus muscle. Symptoms improved after the excision of a mass which was a ganglion cyst by pathologic examination. We were reporting a case of suprascapular nerve injury restricted to the infraspinatus muscle.