Longitudinal Study of Acute and Chronic Arm Pathology Following SCI

The purpose of the study is to longitudinally follow veterans with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to observe the natural progression of pain, pathology and changes in functional status, to determine the effects of paralysis on over ground wheelchair propulsion techniques, and to correlate acute changes on ultrasound following a propulsion task to chronic upper limb pathology and wheelchair biomechanics. Propulsion with imbalanced muscle strength may be at risk of impingement after intense wheelchair activities. Guidance of clinical interventions including wheelchair skill training or exercise prescription may help preserving shoulder function following SCI.