Self-propelling wheelchairs: The effects on spasticity in hemiplegic patients

Abstract

In the treatment of hemiplegic patients, much physiotherapy time and effort is spent attempting to normalise muscle tone. Activities known to increase spasticity are avoided. This small N design study examines the effect of wheelchair self-propulsion by hemiplegic padents on spasticity levels. The results indicate that for some hemiplegic patients, spasticity significantly increases following self-propulsion. It is suggested that patients should be carefully selected before being taught to self-propel dieir wheelchairs. Alternative forms of mobility are discussed.