Isokinetic Strength Characteristics of Men Confined to Wheelchairs

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to report basic isokinetic strength and anthropometric characteristics of active men confined to wheelchairs. Data collection for the 34 subjects included upper body, isokinetic strength assessment; six upper body skinfolds; three upper body girths; and total body weight. To assist in data analysis, the men were categorized into three groups according to the severity of the injury. The results indicated that while the strength and anthropometric data for the disabled were similar to findings reported for the able-bodied, there was a wide range of scores of the disabled sample as a group and between the three disabled groups categorized according to severity of injury. The findings indicate that employment which requires strength for successful task completion will require either careful placement procedures or an individualized design for the disabled.