Journal
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Volume 12, Issue 4, Pages 396-401Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2016.1178819
Keywords
Accelerometry; activity; data logging; monitoring; wheelchair
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Funding
- National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research [H133E080003]
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Purpose: The goal of this study was to describe how ultra-lightweight wheelchair users use their wheelchairs during everyday mobility. Method: We instrumented a convenience sample of 69 ultra-lightweight wheelchair users with a seat switch to measure their occupancy, and an accelerometer on their wheel to measure distance wheeled, time spent wheeling and daily bouts of mobility. Results: On the median day, subjects wheeled 83 bouts and 1.4km over 45 min. A typical bout of mobility was 8.3 m in length, lasting 20 s and occurring at a speed of 0.44 m/s. Fast (> 1 m/s) and long (> 2min) bouts represented less than 4% of bouts and were more common among younger participants and those who were employed or a student. Conclusions: Highly functional manual wheelchair users present with a significant mobility disability, moving far less than their ambulating peers despite moving with similar mobility characteristics. The typical bout characteristics - short and slow bouts - are consistent with indoor mobility and transitions between functional activities. For wheelchair users, it highlights the importance of manoeuverability and the need for prescription and training to emphasize manoeuverability.
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