The relationship between pain, upper extremity functionality, and respiratory parameters in wheelchair athletes

This thesis was conducted to investigate the relationship between pain, upper extremity functionality, and respiratory parameters in wheelchair athletes. Thirty actively training wheelchair athletes from Bağcılar Municipality Disability Center were included in the study. Demographic information was obtained using a pre-prepared assessment form, and clinical evaluations were performed. Pain thresholds were measured using a Baseline dolorimeter, grip strength with a Camry digital dynamometer, respiratory muscle strength with a SONMOL device (MIP/MEP measurements), chest circumference with a standard tape measure, and reaction time using the Blazepod system. The Sports Injury Anxiety Scale and Quick-DASH questionnaire were administered face-to-face to assess sports injury anxiety and upper extremity functionality.The results revealed that the average MEP value (58.41 ± 26.42 cmH₂O) of wheelchair athletes was below normal limits, and both epigastric (5.42 ± 2.11 cm) and subcostal (5.26 ± 2.03 cm) chest expansion measurements remained at clinically low levels. QuickDASH scores indicated mild to moderate functional impairment (26.7 ± 15.3), while sports injury anxiety levels were found to be mild to moderate. A strong positive correlation was identified between pain threshold and grip strength, particularly between the left biceps and left-hand grip strength (r = 0.704, p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between grip strength and the number of missed LEDs (e.g., right-hand grip strength and number of missed LEDs: r = -0.512, p = 0.002), indicating that increased grip strength was associated with improved motor reaction time. Additionally, positive correlations were observed between MIP/MEP and grip strength (r values ranging from 0.45 to 0.61, p < 0.01), as well as strong associations between thoracic mobility and respiratory muscle strength.In conclusion, the study demonstrated multidimensional and significant relationships between upper extremity pain, functional capacity, and respiratory performance in wheelchair athletes. These findings may support the necessity of a multidisciplinary assessment approach in both rehabilitation planning and performance optimization.