Understanding how wheelchair use affects boys and girls differently during growth
Official title: Quantifying Sex-Specific Musculoskeletal Adaptations to Wheelchair Use in Childhood and Adolescence
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10816783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using a wheelchair affects the muscles and bones of boys and girls, especially focusing on why girls might experience more shoulder pain as they grow up, so we can better understand their needs and help them stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $301,304 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD114181-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10816783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 12 to 20 who use manual wheelchairs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use wheelchairs or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of wheelchair use on musculoskeletal health in children and adolescents, focusing on the differences between sexes. It aims to quantify how boys and girls adapt physically to the demands of using a wheelchair, particularly regarding shoulder pain and related conditions. By examining these adaptations, the study seeks to identify the reasons behind the higher incidence of pain in female wheelchair users as they transition into adulthood. The methodology includes assessing muscle and bone growth rates and the mechanical demands placed on the upper body during wheelchair use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for preventing shoulder pain and enhancing the quality of life for young wheelchair users.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding sex-specific adaptations in physical activity can lead to better health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leonardis, Joshua — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Leonardis, Joshua
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.