Comparison of activities of daily living (ADLs) in two different one arm drive wheelchairs: a study of individuals/participants with hemiplegia. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mandy, Anne; Walton, Claire; Michaelis, Jon
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 10:Number 2(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Rehabilitation technology -- Periodicals; Self-help devices for people with disabilities -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.3109/17483107.2013.845612
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-3107

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Aims</italic>: 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. <italic>Research questions</italic>: 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. <italic>Methods</italic>: 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. <italic>Results</italic>: Bed making completion time was quicker in the Neater Uni-wheelchair (<italic>p</italic> < 0.03). Motor skills were significantly higher than the process ability skills (<italic>p</italic> < 0.05). <italic>Conclusion</italic>: 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.<list list-type="bullet"><title>Implications for Rehabilitation</title><list-item><p>Inappropriate wheelchair provision can result in capacity limitation and poorer quality of ADL motor skill as well-lowered process performance skill.</p></list-item><list-item><p>AMPS can help to explain motor and process skill differences in complex activities.</p></list-item></list></p> </abstract>