Shoulder Pain and the Weight-bearing Shoulder in the Wheelchair Athlete

Background: Shoulder pain is a common issue among wheelchair athletes that significantly affects their performance and quality of life. The unique biomechanics of wheelchair sports, which involve repetitive overhead movements and weight-bearing activities, leads to a high incidence of shoulder injuries. Factors such as muscular imbalances, overuse, and the physical demands of wheelchair propulsion exacerbate these problems. Consequently, understanding the causes and underlying mechanisms of shoulder pain in this population is essential for developing effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Methods: This study conducts a systematic review of the existing literature focused on shoulder pain in wheelchair athletes, examining various studies that analyze the prevalence, risk factors, and biomechanical outcomes associated with shoulder injuries in this demographic. The review includes data from clinical assessments, surveys, and biomechanical modeling to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Results: The review shows a wide prevalence of shoulder complaints among wheelchair athletes, ranging from ۱۶% to ۷۶% in different studies. Key findings indicate that chronic overuse, muscular imbalances, and specific sport-related activities significantly contribute to shoulder pain. For instance, athletes engaged in sports requiring repetitive overhead movements or continuous wheelchair motion are particularly prone to injuries such as rotator cuff impingement syndrome. Additionally, factors like age, body mass index (BMI), and duration of disability have been identified as important risk factors for developing shoulder problems. The evidence suggests that while strength training may mitigate some risks, the effectiveness of specific interventions remains under investigation. Overall, the findings highlight the multifactorial nature of shoulder pain in wheelchair athletes and emphasize the need for tailored injury prevention programs. Conclusion: As a result, shoulder pain is a prevalent and debilitating issue for wheelchair athletes that requires further exploration of its causes and preventive measures. Current literature indicates that a combination of strength training and biomechanical awareness could potentially reduce the incidence of shoulder injuries. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions that address both the physical demands of wheelchair sports and the individual characteristics of athletes to improve outcomes for this population.

کلیدواژه ها:

Shoulder pain ، wheelchair athletes ، overuse injuries ، muscle imbalance ، rotator cuff impingement syndrome