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

Anne Mandy, Claire Walton, Jon Michaelis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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. 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. 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). 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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)108-112
Number of pages5
JournalDisability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
Volume10
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2015

Keywords

  • activities of daily living
  • ergonomic efficiency
  • Assessment of Motor and Process Skills

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