Article

This study was conducted to compare the performance of three types of
chairs in a low-resource setting.
The larger goal was to provide information
which will enable more effective use of limited funds by wheelchair manufacturers
and suppliers in low-resource settings. METHODS:
The Motivation Rough Terrain and Whirlwind Rough Rider were compared in six skills tests which participants
completed in one wheelchair type and then a day later in the other.
A hospital-style folding transport wheelchair was also included in one test. For
all skills, participants rated the ease or difficulty on a visual analogue scale.
For all tracks, distance traveled and the physiological cost index were recorded.
Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The
Motivation wheelchair outperformed Whirlwind wheelchair on rough and smooth
tracks, and in some metrics on the tight spaces track. Motivation and Whirlwind
wheelchairs significantly outperformed the hospital transport wheelchair in all
metrics on the rough track skills test. CONCLUSION:
This comparative study
provides data that are valuable for manufacturers and for those who provide
wheelchairs to users. The comparison with the hospital-style transport chair
confirms the cost to users of inappropriate wheelchair provision. Implications
for Rehabilitation For those with compromised lower limb function, wheelchairs
are essential to enable full participation and improved quality of life.
Therefore, provision of wheelchairs which effectively enable mobility in the
cultures and environments in which people with disabilities live is crucial. This
includes low-resource settings where the need for appropriate seating is
especially urgent. A repeated measures study to measure wheelchair performances
in everyday skills in the setting where wheelchairs are used gives information on
the quality of mobility provided by those wheelchairs. This study highlights
differences in the performance of three types of wheelchairs often distributed in
low-resource settings.
This information can improve mobility for wheelchair users
in those settings by enabling wheelchair manufacturers to optimize wheelchair
design and providers to optimize the use of limited funds.

Langue : ANGLAIS