Comparison Between Performance With a Pushrim-Activated Power-Assisted Wheelchair and a Manual Wheelchair on the Wheelchair Skills Test
By Best, Krista L.; Kirby, R. Lee; Smith, Cher; Macleod, Donald A.; Disability and Rehabilitation, Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 213-220Publication Date: February 2006
Study conducted to assess the hypothesis that people using a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair (PAPAW) have a broader skill set when compared with people using a manual wheelchair. The Quickie LXI from Quickie Wheelchairs was used in the study for both conditions, as its rear wheels were replaced with PAPAW wheels from E.motion for the PAPAW assessment. A total of 30 people who did not have disabilities participated in the study. Each of the participants completed the Wheelchair Skills Training Program, while the researchers calculated pass-fail success rates from the Wheelchair Skills Test. The results indicated that the PAPAW did not yield significantly higher scores on overall wheelchair skill performance, though this design may prove to be helpful for specific skills that require greater wheel torque. This additional torque, however, appeared to be a hindrance when performing skills that required a greater degree of control. Implications for future research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: E-MOTION
QUICKIE LXI
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
