Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
Wheelchair-Specific Task
Researchers described a wheelchair-specific alternative to tandem gait for wheelchair sport athletes. Conventional timed tandem gait, including complex and dual-task versions, requires heel-to-toe walking unavailable to this population. The cross-sectional, repeated-measures study took place at a university adapted athletics facility.
Study Procedures
Twenty-six wheelchair-using collegiate athletes from one institution completed three single-task and three dual-task propulsion trials along a straight, nine-metre line. They wheeled down and back quickly while staying centered and continuously feeding the wheel, without power pushes or gliding. Testing occurred at baseline and after one week and 45 days; average completion time was recorded.
Performance and Reliability
Dual-task performance was 1.42 seconds slower than single-task performance. No differences were found by sex or concussion history in either condition. Test-retest reliability was good at one week (ICC 0.79-0.82) and moderate at 45 days (ICC 0.50-0.56). The authors said the findings provide baseline and reliability context, but questioned the task’s feasibility for concussion evaluation and management, noting that upper-extremity neurological assessments may be warranted.
