Mobility and Mobility-Related Participation Outcomes of Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Interventions After 4-Months and 1-Year Use
By Loefkvist, C.; Pettersson, C.; Iwarsson, S.; Brandt, A. ; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Volume 7, Number 3, pages 211-218Publication Date: 2012
Study investigated outcomes of powered wheelchair and scooter interventions for participants with mobility limitations after 4 months and 1 year of use. Focus was on (1) the need for assistance when moving around, (2) frequency of mobility related participation, (3) ease or difficulty in mobility during participation, and (4) the number of participation aspects performed in everyday life. The prospective cohort study included data collection by means of structured interviews at baseline, 4 months, and at 1-year follow-up. An instrument called the Nordic mobility-related participation outcome evaluation of assistive device interventions (NOMO 1.0) was used. A total of 34 participants, 11 women and 23 men with a mean age of 69 years, completed the study. Results showed that the outcomes in terms of participation frequency and ease in mobility occurred in a short time perspective, and that the effects remained stable at 1-year follow-up. The frequency of going outside increased most prominently (26 percent). Even though the majority of the participation aspects were not performed, their performance became easier, with 56 to 91 percent of participants finding that shopping, going outdoors, and visiting family and friends were easier. Moreover, independence outdoors and indoors increased. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
