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Issues in Maintenance and Repairs of Wheelchairs: A Pilot Study

By Fitzgerald, Shirley G., PhD; Collins, Diane M., PhD, OTR/L; Cooper, Rory A., PhD; Tolerico, Michelle, BS; Kelleher, Annmarie, MS, OTR/L, ATP; Hunt, Peter, PhD, MPH; Martin, Stephanie, BS; Impink, Bradley, BS; Cooper, Rosemarie, MPT, ATP; Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 853-862
Publication Date: November/December 2005

Study conducted to assess wheelchair durability and its impact on user satisfaction. A total of 130 people who used wheelchairs as their primary means of mobility participated in the study. The researchers examined the characteristics of the participants' wheelchairs, the types of maintenance and repairs completed, and the relationship between user satisfaction and wheelchair maintenance issues. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their wheelchairs, which included information regarding maintenance, repair history, and overall satisfaction levels. The results indicated that 26 percent of the participants had performed a wheelchair repair in the 6 months preceding the study, while 16 percent had performed general maintenance. A total of 27 percent of the participants had performed tire repairs. Factors such as hours of wheelchair use and wheelchair age did not bear any correlation with repair or maintenance frequency. The participants also indicated that they were generally satisfied with their wheelchairs. The authors contend that a better understanding of wheelchair maintenance and repair issues could lead to improvements in wheelchair design, which could enhance the community participation of people who use wheelchairs. Quantitative study results are presented in table format.
Published by:
VA Rehabilitation Research & Development Service    (Web Site: http://www.rehab.research.va.gov )
Link to text: http://www.vard.org/jour/05/42/6/fitzgerald.html
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J50596
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