Original scientific paper
Rib stress fracture in a male adaptive rower from the arms and shoulders sport class: case report
Tomislav Smoljanović
; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Bojanić
; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Courtney L. Pollock
; Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Radovan Radonić
; Department of Internal Medicine University Hospital Center Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Adaptive rowing is rowing or sculling for rowers with a
physical disability. It debuted at the Paralympic Games in
2008. In order to ensure an equitable playing field, rowers
with similar levels of physical function and disability are
classified into different sport classes for competition. Rowers
with an inability to use a sliding seat and impaired trunk
function resulting in an inability to perform trunk forward
and backward lean via hip flexion/extension are assigned
to the Arms and Shoulders (AS) class. AS rowers have to
use a chest strap set immediately below the chest in order
to localize any trunk movement in AS class. Conditions created
by adaptations of rowing equipment and technique
within the AS class create unique stresses on the upper
thoracic region. The following case report demonstrates
how etiology and management of a rib stress fracture in
an AS rower differs in comparison to able-body rowers. Of
significant importance were the limitations imposed on
the rower’s ability to maintain rowing-specific fitness, due
to the nature of the rib stress fracture and requirement to
decrease force transmission through the ribs for several
weeks. The rower’s gradual return to full training was further
impacted by obligatory use of the chest strap, which
directly applied pressure over the injured area. Protective
orthosis for the chest was designed and applied in order to
dissipate pressure of the chest strap over the thorax during
rowing (most importantly at the catch position) both on
the ergometer and in the boat.
Keywords
adaptive rowing; Paralympic sport; rib stress fracture; chest orthoses
Hrčak ID:
74219
URI
Publication date:
15.10.2011.
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