Comparison of Activities of Daily Living in Two Different One Arm Drive Wheelchairs: A Controlled Trial
By Bashton, Daisy; Mandy, Anne; Haines, David; Cameron, Josh; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Volume 7, Number 1, pages 75-81Publication Date: January 2012
Pilot study measured activities of daily living (ADLs) in users propelling both a standard dual handrim Action 3 wheelchair and a standard Action 3 wheelchair with a Neater Uni-Wheelchair (NUW) kit attachment. The kit consists of a steerable front castor and a single pushrim propelling both rear wheels via a differential. The novel steering mechanism enables the user to steer with the footplate which is connected to the front castor. Participants were 20 individuals without disabilities aged 22 to 46 years, of whom all but one were male. Hemiplegia was simulated by strapping participants’ non-dominant arm to their chest. The study employed a cross over, repeated measures method. The order in which participants used the wheelchairs was determined by the use of random numbers. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) was used to evaluate participants while undertaking tasks including making a bed and laying a table Swedish style. The latter task involves setting four place settings at the table along with bread and butter. Heart rate at rest and post-task and time taken to complete each task were recorded. Heart rate when laying the table was lower in the NUW condition and task completion time was quicker. There was no difference in motor and process ability skills. ADL tasks were completed more efficiently when seated in the chair with the NUW attachment with no loss in quality of motor and process skills performance.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
