Understanding how foot positioning affects wheelchair use in Veterans with spinal cord injuries.
Toward understanding mechanisms of inadvertent lower extremity displacements from wheelchair footplates in Veterans with SCI/D: Multi-modal evaluation of leg movements during power wheelchair use.
This study is looking at how using power wheelchairs can sometimes lead to leg injuries for Veterans with spinal cord injuries, especially when their feet aren't positioned correctly, and it aims to find ways to keep them safe and moving comfortably.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10999647 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind lower extremity injuries in Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders who use power wheelchairs. It focuses on how improper foot positioning on footplates can lead to injuries due to factors like sensory loss and muscle spasms. By evaluating leg movements during wheelchair operation, the study aims to identify the root causes of these injuries and develop interventions to prevent them. The findings could significantly improve the safety and mobility of Veterans using power wheelchairs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders who use power wheelchairs.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use power wheelchairs or do not have spinal cord injuries may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer wheelchair designs and practices that reduce the risk of lower limb injuries for Veterans.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited documentation on this specific issue, the study aims to fill a gap in understanding that has not been previously explored.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henzel, Mary K — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Henzel, Mary K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.