Effect of pushrim-activated power assist wheelchair on functional capabilities of tetraplegic people

Wise Young · 03-25-2005, 04:30 AM

Pushrim power-assist wheelchairs reduce the amount of energy and heart-rate increase associated with wheelchair activities required for tetraplegic people.

Quote:

Algood SD, Cooper RA, Fitzgerald SG, Cooper R and Boninger ML (2005). Effect of a pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchair on the functional capabilities of persons with tetraplegia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 86: 380-6. Abstract Algood SD, Cooper RA, Fitzgerald SG, Cooper R, Boninger ML. Effect of a pushrim-activated power-assist wheelchair on the functional capabilities of persons with tetraplegia. Objectives To test the differences between a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair (PAPAW) and a traditional manual wheelchair while performing common driving activities and to assess their relative merits for people with tetraplegia. Design Repeated measures. Setting An activities of daily living (ADL) laboratory within a rehabilitation research center. Participants Fifteen full-time manual wheelchair users with tetraplegia due to a spinal cord injury. Interventions Participants propelled both their own manual wheelchairs and a PAPAW 3 times over an ADL course. The order in which the 2 different wheelchairs were presented to the participants was randomized. Main outcome measures Each participant's heart rate was monitored throughout testing by a digital, wireless heart-rate monitor. Time to complete the course was recorded, and participants were surveyed with a visual analog scale after the first, third, fourth, and sixth trials to determine the ease of completing each obstacle and their ergonomic preferences between the 2 wheelchairs. Participants also were observed throughout the trials to determine how much assistance they needed to complete each obstacle course. Results After using a Bonferroni adjustment, 4 obstacles (carpet, dimple strips, up a ramp, up a curb cut) were rated as being significantly easier ( P <.001) to complete when using the PAPAW. Participants also showed a significant decrease in mean heart rate throughout all 3 trials [ P =.015, P =.001, P =.003, respectively) when using a PAPAW. The amount of assistance needed by participants, the responses to ergonomic questions, and the overall time to complete the ADL course did not differ significantly between the 2 wheelchairs. Conclusions For subjects with tetraplegia, PAPAWs have the potential to improve functional capabilities during certain ADLs, especially when propelling up ramps, over uneven surfaces, and over thick carpet.

McDuff · 03-25-2005, 07:29 AM

I guess a study to definitively answer this was needed; but did they really expect this would not be the case?

Kind of like comparing power/non- steering/brakes in a car. Power assist is easier.

"Rather be ridin' than rollin'"

spaceboy · 03-25-2005, 07:40 AM

Wouldn't simple common sense allow us to conclude that PAPAW's (1) require less physical/aerobic energy needed to propel a WC and that (2) they improve tetras' functional capabilities?

As a user of a PAPAW, I can attest that the merits are indeed extraordinary. However, a trial on the subject to prove it's value seems unnecessary.

"The essense of greatness is the perception that courage is enough." R. Waldo Emerson

The mom · 03-25-2005, 07:51 AM

Since a Manual wheelchair is offering a type of aerobic activity, how does a tetraplegic determine whether they should switch to a pushrim-activated power assist wheelchair and forgo the health benefits of the Manual?

Would a better use of this technology be that perhaps some using manual chairs might try the powered pushrim wheelchair?

Nancie · 03-25-2005, 04:09 PM

official studies/reports like this are sometimes useful when dealing w/ insuarance companies, who need the dots connected for them.

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03-25-2005, 07:29 AM	#2
McDuff Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Dallas area, Tx Posts: 3,248	I guess a study to definitively answer this was needed; but did they really expect this would not be the case? Kind of like comparing power/non- steering/brakes in a car. Power assist is easier. "Rather be ridin' than rollin'"

03-25-2005, 07:40 AM	#3
spaceboy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: greensboro, nc Posts: 229	Wouldn't simple common sense allow us to conclude that PAPAW's (1) require less physical/aerobic energy needed to propel a WC and that (2) they improve tetras' functional capabilities? As a user of a PAPAW, I can attest that the merits are indeed extraordinary. However, a trial on the subject to prove it's value seems unnecessary. "The essense of greatness is the perception that courage is enough." R. Waldo Emerson

03-25-2005, 07:51 AM	#4
The mom Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Copper Canyon, Texas Posts: 366	Since a Manual wheelchair is offering a type of aerobic activity, how does a tetraplegic determine whether they should switch to a pushrim-activated power assist wheelchair and forgo the health benefits of the Manual? Would a better use of this technology be that perhaps some using manual chairs might try the powered pushrim wheelchair?

03-25-2005, 04:09 PM	#5
Nancie Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NY Posts: 247	official studies/reports like this are sometimes useful when dealing w/ insuarance companies, who need the dots connected for them.