ABSTRACT

　As pathological analysis of adaptive sports, we focused on risk factors of injury in wheelchair tennis and studied the characteristics of trunk movement and upper limb movement during the serve motion. We also report our review of propulsion motion and seat pressure distribution in wheelchair marathon for future device development.
　The subjects of wheelchair tennis were two wheelchair tennis players and one normal tennis player (Normal). One of the wheelchair tennis players had quadriplegia (Quad) and the other had paraplegia (Para). The results with trunk movement demonstrated that Quad showed right lateral bending at the maximum external rotation (MER) and had decreased flexion and left rotation at the impact (IMP) compared to Normal. Para showed left lateral bending, decreased right rotation and extension at the MER, and had left rotation and extension at the IMP compared to Normal. In regard to upper limb movement, Quad showed increased shoulder extension and elbow flexion at the MER, and had decreased shoulder flexion, and elbow flexion at the IMP compared to Normal. Para showed decreased shoulder abduction and flexion, and increased elbow flexion at the MER, and had decreased shoulder abduction and flexion at the IMP compared to Normal. The results suggest the possibility that trunk movement affects upper limb movement, and loss of the trunk function leads to more stress on the shoulder and elbow, which may cause injury.
　We also analyzed propulsion motion of wheelchair marathon athletes and measured seat pressure distribution using the system. Motion analysis of wheelchair marathon allowed individual check and helped improve the performance of athletes. We will consider the implementation of analysis methods corresponding to faster motions.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.37/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE