Effect of a Pushrim-Activated Power-Assist Wheelchair on the Functional Capabilities of Persons With Tetraplegia
By Algood, S. David, MS; Cooper, Rory A., PhD; Fitzgerald, Shirley G., PhD; Cooper, Rosemarie, MPT, ATP; Boninger, Michael L., MD; Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol. 86, No. 3, pp. 380-386Publication Date: March 2005
Study conducted to test the differences between a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair (PAPAW) and a traditional manual wheelchair during standard operating activities. Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchairs are an alternative to manual wheelchairs, lever-drive systems, and powered mobility devices. They are basically manual wheelchairs with a motor linked to the pushrim in each rear hub. Fifteen people with tetraplegia who used manual wheelchairs participated in the study. The participants operated their manual wheelchairs and the PAPAW a total of three times through an obstacle course at an activities of daily living center laboratory in a rehabilitation research center. Each participant’s heart rate was monitored during testing by a digital monitor. Time to complete the course and qualitative interviews were also evaluated in the study. Results indicated that for people with tetraplegia, PAPAWS have the potential to improve functional wheelchair performance on a variety of tasks, including propelling up ramps, traversing over thick carpet, and traveling over uneven surfaces.
Published by: W.B. Saunders Company, a division of Elsevier Health Sciences (Website:http://us.elsevierhealth.com)
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Web Site: http://www.aapmr.org/ )
American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.acrm.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J48819
