Powered Tilt/Recline Systems: Why and How are They Used?
By Lacoste, Michele, OT; Weiss-Lambrou, Rhoda, MSc, OT; Allard, Magali, BSc; Dansereau, Jean, PhD; Assistive Technology, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 58-68Publication Date: Summer 2003
Study conducted to characterize the use of powered tilt and recline systems, which are prescribed to combat discomfort, pain, pressure sores, spinal curvatures, and loss of functional independence among people who use wheelchairs or who spend a vast amount of time in a sitting position. A questionnaire was developed exclusively for the study, and 40 respondents were interviewed in their homes. The participants were asked to identify, from a list of 25 objectives, the reasons for which they used their repositioning system and to rank these reasons in order of importance. For each objective, they were also asked to identify the frequency and range of use as well as their satisfaction level with their system. Results indicated that 97.5 percent of the participants were using their powered tilt and recline system everyday, and their satisfaction with their devices was high. The main objectives for using this type of assistive technology were to increase comfort and to promote rest. The authors contend that the results of the study could have relevance in the wheelchair selection process.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J46833
