The Effects of Backward Adjustable Thoracic Support in Wheelchair on Spinal Curvature and Back Muscle Activation for Elderly People

摘要: Objectives To investigate the effects of backward adjustable thoracic support on spinal curvature and back muscle activation during wheelchair sitting. Methods Twenty elderly people were recruited for this study. The sitting posture was compared with slumped, normal, lumbar postures. Spinal curvatures (pelvic, lumbar, angles) activations 4 muscles both sides (maximal voluntary isometric contraction multifidus, erector spinae, iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis, spinae at T9) measured between different postures using one-way analysis variance repeated measures. Results The showed a relatively neutral pelvic tilt (−0.32±4.80°) when slumped (22.84±5.27°) (−8.97±3.31°) (P<0.001), higher lordosis (−23.38±6.50°) (14.77±7.83°), normal (0.44±7.47°), (−16.76±4.77°) (P<0.05). It also lower activity (P<0.05). Conclusions concept suggested because it maintains more tilt, lordosis, activation, which may help maintain better reduce risk pain.