Comparison of activities of daily living (ADLs) in two different one arm drive wheelchairs: a study of individuals/participants with hemiplegia.

Abstract

AIMS:

This pilot study measured activities of daily living performance in individuals/participants with hemiplegia propelling both a standard dual handrim Action 3 wheelchair and a standard Action 3 wheelchair with a Neater Uni-Wheelchair kit attachment. The kit consists of a steerable front.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

Does the use of the NUW affect the performance quality of activities of daily living in individuals/participants with hemiplegia. Is there a difference in the motor and process skills during activities of daily living performance, and in the time taken to complete the activities.

METHODS:

Four individuals/participants with hemiplegia were used in a cross over, repeated measures trial. Assessment of Motor and Process Skills of users undertaking making a bed and laying a table "Swedish style", tasks were measured and time taken to complete each task were recorded.

RESULTS:

Bed making completion time was quicker in the Neater Uni-wheelchair (p < 0.03). Motor skills were significantly higher than the process ability skills (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Activities of daily living tasks in the Neater Uni-wheelchair were completed more efficiently with no loss in quality of motor and process skills performance. This suggests that the Neater Uni-wheelchair is a viable alternative to current one arm drive provision. Implications for Rehabilitation Inappropriate wheelchair provision can result in capacity limitation and poorer quality of ADL motor skill as well-lowered process performance skill. AMPS can help to explain motor and process skill differences in complex activities.

• Authors: Anne Mandy, Claire Walton, Jon Michaelis
• Journal: Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology (Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol) Vol. 10 Issue 2 Pg. 108-12 (Mar 2015) ISSN: 1748-3115 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24131370 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cross-Over Studies
• Equipment Design
• Female
• Hemiplegia (etiology, rehabilitation)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Motor Skills
• Pilot Projects
• Stroke (complications)
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Wheelchairs