Unlabelled: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, we tested the hypotheses that, in comparison with control participants receiving only self-study materials (SS group), caregivers of manual wheelchair users who additionally receive remote training (RT group) have greater total Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire (WST-Q) performance and confidence scores post-training and at follow-up; and that self-study and remote training each individually lead to such gains. We studied 23 dyads of wheelchair users and their caregivers. Caregivers in the SS group received a handbook and videorecording.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To test the hypothesis that a Remote-Learning Course improves the subjective wheelchair-skills performance and confidence of wheelchair service providers, and to determine the participants' views on the Course.
Methods: This was an observational cohort study, with pre-post comparisons. To meet the objectives of the six-week Course, the curriculum included self-study and weekly one-hour remote meetings.
Purpose: To test the hypotheses that, in comparison with pushing an occupied upright manual wheelchair forward, pulling backward on the push-handles improves the objective and subjective ease with which a caregiver can get the wheelchair across a soft surface (e.g., grass, mud, sand, gravel); and the ease with which a caregiver can get the wheelchair across a soft surface improves if the wheelchair is tipped back into the wheelie position.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To determine the extent to which wheelchair service providers conduct wheelchair-skills training, the nature of training, and the providers' perceptions on training.
Materials And Methods: Anonymous global online survey consisting of 29 questions administered the REDCap electronic data-capture tool to English-speaking wheelchair service providers.
Results: We received 309 responses from wheelchair service providers in 35 countries.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that, during manual-wheelchair foot propulsion backward on a soft surface, lowering the seat height increases speed, push frequency and push effectiveness, and decreases perceived difficulty.
Materials And Methods: In a repeated-measures crossover study, 50 able-bodied participants used one foot to propel a manual wheelchair 5 m backward on a soft surface at 5 seat heights, ranging from 5.08 cm below to about 5.
To determine the extent to which Occupational Therapists (OTs) in Nova Scotia (NS) conduct wheelchair skills training, the nature of training and the OTs' perceptions on training. Anonymous online survey. We received 110 responses from OTs living in NS and involved in direct patient care, 96 (93%) of whom reported helping clients obtain manual wheelchairs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDisabil Rehabil Assist Technol
November 2021
Purpose: To test the hypotheses that, during manual wheelchair foot propulsion forward on smooth level surfaces, lowering the seat height increases speed, push frequency and push effectiveness, and decreases perceived difficulty.
Materials And Methods: In a repeated-measures crossover study, 50 able-bodied participants used one foot to propel a manual wheelchair 10 m on a smooth level surface at 5 seat heights in random order, ranging from 5.08 cm below to about 5.