Comparison of a Pushrim-Activated Power-Assisted Wheelchair and a Manual Wheelchair on the Wheelchair Skills Test
By Best, Krista L.; Kirby, R. Lee; Smith, Cher; RESNA 26th International Annual Conference 2003,Publication Date: 2003
Study conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair (PAPAW) with that of a standard manual wheelchair. Thirty able-bodied people participated in the study. The Quickie LXI was used in all testing procedures and was equipped with wheelie aids to add safety and prevent anti-tip devices from interfering with skill performance. During an initial training session, the participants watched four videos that demonstrated rear wheel functions, wheelie aids, and the skills included in the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST). The participants were then given time to practice the skills. Two days later, each participant completed the WST using both the PAPAW and the manual wheelchair. The WST was used to collect total percentage scores and pass/fail success rates for individual wheelchair skills. The participants also completed a brief follow-up questionnaire to provide qualitative feedback on their perceptions of safety and their wheelchair preferences. Overall, the safety and efficacy of the PAPAW and the manual devices were found to be comparable by the WST results. Qualitative observations suggested that the PAPAW is more effective than the manual wheelchair for skills that require larger forces on the pushrims. Participants did have slightly more difficulty maneuvering the PAPAW in skills that required greater control. The authors contend that the PAPAW does hold promise, and warrants further research and development.
Assistive Products Discussed: QUICKIE LXI
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
