We get a lot of questions about our claim that MAGICWHEELS dramatically reduces shoulder pain. So we thought we’d interview our National Sales Manager Scott Brown who was able to provide some insight into how the wheels can help out.

Q. How widespread is shoulder pain for wheelchair users?

A.  Independent studies indicate that 60-90% of users experience shoulder pain relative to using a manual wheelchair.

Q. What options are available to reduce shoulder pain?

A.  If the shoulder pain is propulsion related we can look at various clinical interventions.

There are essentially three options. We can try to change the configurations of the chair and/or seating to encourage more effective propulsion. We can evaluate the client’s push mechanics to determine if there is opportunity for improvement, focusing on long smooth push strokes. The third option would be to introduce some type of technological intervention such as a newly configured wheelchair or an add-on like Magic Wheels to their existing wheelchair.

Q.  MAGICWHEELS claims that your wheels dramatically reduce shoulder pain. Do you have any clinical testing to support your claims?

A. We do have research to back up our claims. The University of Maryland conducted a study on shoulder pain in manual wheelchair use and found that MAGICWHEELS provides users up to a 60% reduction in shoulder pain.

Q. What was the purpose of this study?

A. Researchers at the University of Maryland wanted to determine how the use of a 2-speed wheelchair impacts shoulder pain related to manual wheelchair propulsion.

Q. How was the study conducted?

A. The research team identified 17 participants – all manual wheelchair users with various disabilities including spinal cord injuries, stroke, spina bifida, etc. They first determined each individual’s baseline shoulder pain by using the Wheelchair Users Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI).  This is essentially a questionnaire used to assess the level of pain a user encounters while performing each of the 15 different Mobility-Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADL).  For instance, on a scale of 1-10, how much pain might one experience after pushing their chair for 25 feet? Or dressing and undressing? The researchers documented the pain scale response associated with each activity and developed an average for each individual participant.

After this initial assessment, the participants were introduced to MAGICWHEELS.  It is important to note that this was the only change made in their daily routines – they did not change their posture or reconfigure their existing chairs in any other way.  The researchers then used the WUSPI scale after various intervals to assess shoulder pain levels.

Q.  What did the results indicate?

A. After the first two weeks, there was nearly 40% reduction in pain across all participants. Pain levels continued to drop over the course of the study. After five months the participants reported nearly 60% reduction in pain levels.

This indicated not only a rapid response to the intervention but a long term benefit from continual use.

Q. Did the researchers follow up with the participants after the study to see if pain level rose without MAGICWHEELS?

A. The participants were reintroduced to their conventional wheels at the end of the study and evaluated one month later. Unfortunately, after just one month their pain levels were back to where they began.

Q. How can I learn more about this study?

A. You can visit (http://www.magicwheels.com/learn-more/shoulder-pain-reduction). Or feel free to call me at (866) MAGICWH (624-4294).

Tags: shoulder pain