The manual wheelchair (MWC) and power wheelchair (PWC) each present advantages and disadvantages to participation and occupational performance. Consequently, some individuals choose to use both devices, depending upon the activity. A pushrim-activated, power-assisted wheelchair (PPW) may provide an alternative to the PWC for these users. This study utilized a two-phase, mixed methods design, comparing the performance and satisfaction of wheelchair users carrying out self-selected activities with their current PWC and with a PPW. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome measures between the PWC and PPW; however, many participants reported a preference for the PWC. Less accessible environments, particularly when transporting a wheelchair, were identified as opportunities for PPW use. Rather than replacing the PWC for all of their identified activities, participants indicated the PPW improved upon the MWC. As a result, participants expressed a willingness to try more (and new) activities, including some previously performed with the PWC.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MANITOBA/oai:mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca:1993/263 |
| Date | 12 July 2006 |
| Creators | Giesbrecht, Edward Mark |
| Contributors | Quanbury, Arthur (Occupational Therapy) Ripat, Jacqueline (Occupational Therapy), Quanbury, Arthur (Occupational Therapy) Ripat, Jacqueline (Occupational Therapy) Cooper, Juliette (Occupational Therapy) McIlraith, Audrey (Family Services & Housing, Government of Manitoba) |
| Source Sets | University of Manitoba Canada |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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