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Mhatre A, Loew C, Yurtsever E, Mair C. Power wheelchair usage and repair are associated: a retrospective analysis. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38754034 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2353861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluates the effect of power wheelchair telemonitoring and battery charging training on user charging behavior and repair measures and assesses the relationship between wheelchair usage and repair measures to support technician-led servicing.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of two matched cohorts with a total of n=237 users from the NHS service dataset. In the training cohort, a wheelchair usage telemonitoring device monitored the battery usage of n=119 power wheelchair users for 12 months. Users whose battery charging behavior was not optimal were instructed on appropriate charging practices. Wheelchair usage parameters of wheelchair drive and power time every month were used to predict repairs and associated costs.Results: Fifty-four out of 119 users in the training cohort did not charge batteries regularly and were instructed on appropriate charging. Twenty-six of them changed their behavior and charged their batteries every night. This cohort experienced reduced battery repairs by 18%, wheelchair repairs by 11%, and repair costs by £3,092 compared to a matched standard care cohort (n=118). User age and drive time were associated with repair measures. Drive time predicted time-to-failure for wheelchair parts and classified failure risk with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve as 0.71 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.82; p<.001). Conclusions: By leveraging the significant relationships between wheelchair usage and repairs, wheelchair users at risk of part failures can be identified, and technician-led servicing tools for proactive interventions can be developed. Wheelchair battery health telemonitoring and instructing users on appropriate battery charging reduced repairs and associated costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Mhatre
- The Ohio State University, Division of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Cassandra Loew
- The Ohio State University, Division of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ekim Yurtsever
- The Ohio State University College of Engineering, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Colin Mair
- National Health Service West of Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Centre (WestMARC), Glasgow, UK
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2
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James AM, Pramana G, Schein RM, Mhatre A, Pearlman J, Macpherson M, Schmeler MR. A descriptive analysis of wheelchair repair registry data. Assist Technol 2023; 35:312-320. [PMID: 35200093 DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2022.2044407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wheeled mobility and seating (WMS) devices allow users to achieve greater mobility independence. Previous studies determined that 53% of wheelchair users required one or more repairs over a 6-month period; however, there are a limited number of studies that have evaluated types of repairs. The purpose of this study was to describe the types of manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, and scooter repairs within the Wheelchair Repair Registry (WRR) and examine the association between WMS devices and the frequency of repairs. A dataset of 4,645 devices distributed in the United States was collected from equipment suppliers who performed and logged community-based wheelchair repair services. The results demonstrated common repairs found across devices were within the wheels/tires/forks and batteries/cables categories. Device type was the most significant predictor of variance in the number of repairs. Customizable manual wheelchairs, tilt-in-space, Groups 2 & 3 power wheelchairs, and scooters were associated with higher number of repairs compared to non-customizable manual wheelchairs, pediatric, heavy-duty manual wheelchairs, and Group 4 power wheelchairs. The higher failure rate found in specific devices may be associated with a population of more active users, environment/conditions where equipment is used, time spent in equipment, additional features on device, or lower durability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria M James
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gede Pramana
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Richard M Schein
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anand Mhatre
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan Pearlman
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Mark R Schmeler
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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Perotti L, Klebbe R, Maier A, Eicher C. Evaluation of the quality and the provision process of wheelchairs in Germany. Results from an online survey. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 18:205-214. [PMID: 33164613 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1841837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restrictions in mobility can lead to social and health-related issues. Assistive technologies and devices can help to sustain or regain mobility in affected persons. One of the most commonly used devices is the wheelchair. Many wheelchair users experience difficulties within the provision process and with the device itself. The presented study investigated the satisfaction with the wheelchair and the corresponding provision process. METHODOLOGY A comprehensive online survey was conducted. The questionnaire surveyed the quality of wheelchairs and the corresponding provision process among wheelchair users in Germany. Descriptive methods were used to analyse the results. Sub-groups were classified according to age, sex, waiting time for wheelchair, financing and type of wheelchair. RESULTS After cleaning the data, 110 datasets remained for analysis. The predominant reasons for wheelchair acquisition were independence and the replacement for a defective wheelchair. Wheelchair quality aspects as well as the corresponding provision process were rated medium. Issues were found regarding waiting times, repair services and communication between service providers. DISCUSSION The presented results reflect issues in the quality of wheelchairs and their provision process. Inequality between different sub groups is evident. Although some results should be considered with caution due to unequal group sizes, clear trends can be seen which confirm results from other studies throughout the literature. CONCLUSION The presented cross-sectional study results give an important overview about the user satisfaction with the quality and provision process of wheelchairs. A longitudinal study accompanying users during the provision process is being recommended as a more in-depth study.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONLow durability and adaptability were identified as main issues regarding wheelchair quality.Waiting times for wheelchairs were perceived as too long by the users and make up the main factor for low satisfaction with the wheelchair provision process.Reduced waiting times for wheelchairs (especially for electric wheelchairs) can improve overall satisfaction with the assistive device.Waiting times could be reduced by a more efficient application and provision process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Perotti
- Clinic for Geriatrics and Geriatric Medicine, Charité Medical Faculty Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Klebbe
- Clinic for Geriatrics and Geriatric Medicine, Charité Medical Faculty Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Maier
- Clinic for Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité Medical Faculty Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia Eicher
- Forschungsgruppe Geriatrie, Charité Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Wilson-Jene H, Mhatre A, Ott J, Krider B, Smith C, Terhorst L, Pearlman J. Rolling resistance of casters increases significantly after two years of simulated use. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2021; 8:20556683211025149. [PMID: 34408905 PMCID: PMC8365014 DOI: 10.1177/20556683211025149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Manual wheelchair propulsion is associated with upper limb pain and injury, and clinical guidelines recommend minimizing propulsive force to lower health risks. One of the strategies to reduce propulsive force is by minimizing rolling resistance (RR). Product testing studies suggest that RR of casters is affected by wear and tear which could have implications on the health risk of wheelchair users. The study will investigate the relationship between caster RR and environmental exposure using standard testing protocols. Methods RR of ten casters representing a range of diameters for different models of wheelchairs were measured before and after environmental exposure that includes corrosion, shock and abrasion simulating two years of community use. Results Four casters exhibited failures during durability testing, one catastrophically. Increases to RR after corrosion, shock and abrasion exposure were statistically significant using mixed-effects modeling, and four casters had increased RR greater than 20%. Conclusions Many of the casters evaluated exhibited increased RR forces and failure after environmental exposure. Improved caster design and use of corrosion resistant materials may reduce these failures. In addition, modification of the provision process could include replacement casters to reduce failures and avoid breakdowns that leave manual wheelchair users stranded or injured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Wilson-Jene
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Anand Mhatre
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Joseph Ott
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Benjamin Krider
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Clair Smith
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Terhorst
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Pearlman
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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5
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Trafford Z, van der Westhuizen E, McDonald S, Linegar M, Swartz L. More Than Just Assistive Devices: How a South African Social Enterprise Supports an Environment of Inclusion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2655. [PMID: 33800783 PMCID: PMC7967322 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate assistive technology has the potential to considerably enhance quality of life, access to health and education, and social and economic participation for people with disabilities. Most disabled people in the world live in low- and middle-income countries where access to assistive devices and other support is severely lacking. There is little evidence that describes contextually relevant approaches to meeting these needs, particularly in African countries. We provide a detailed description of a South African organisation which has manufactured mobility and seating devices for children with disabilities since 1992. The Shonaquip Social Enterprise (SSE) also trains and builds capacity among a wide range of stakeholders (caregivers, health workers, educators, government, and communities) to acknowledge and advocate for the wellbeing of disabled children and adults, and works closely with government to strengthen existing service provisions. Using examples from the SSE, we highlight a number of useful principles to consider when trying to provide for the needs of people with disabilities, particularly in low-resource settings. While access to assistive devices is important, devices have limited capacity to improve participation if the broader environment is overly restrictive and stigmatising. Improved access to devices ought to be situated within a range of broader efforts to increase the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara Trafford
- Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa;
| | | | - Shona McDonald
- Shonaquip Social Enterprise, Cape Town 7800, South Africa; (E.v.d.W.); (S.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Margi Linegar
- Shonaquip Social Enterprise, Cape Town 7800, South Africa; (E.v.d.W.); (S.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Leslie Swartz
- Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa;
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6
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Bane HM, Sheafer V, Rispin K. Preliminary test-retest reliability of the Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2020; 17:555-558. [PMID: 32762568 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1800115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Economic realities in lower-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) present an increased need for outcome measures for wheelchair efficacy, as these measures enable optimized use of funds. As the provision level of wheelchairs is low in these areas, and many wheelchairs are inappropriate for their intended users, use of funds based on evidence is especially necessary. The Wheelchair Satisfaction Questionnaire (WSQ) was designed to be a snapshot of a wheelchair user's level of satisfaction with their wheelchair. The WSQ is comprised of 16 visual analogue scale questions. Each question includes an option for a qualitative explanatory comment. The current study examined initial test-retest reliability of the WSQ. MATERIALS AND METHODS The WSQ was administered twice to the same set of wheelchair users who were secondary students at a school for students with disabilities. A demonstration was given to the participants to explain how to mark the analogue scale. Participants were instructed to answer each item honestly and without peer input. A one-week time span separated test and retest. Scores for both sessions were entered into SPSS. An interclass coefficient of 0.70 or above indicates acceptable test-retest reliability. RESULTS The ages of participants ranged from 13 to 24, with a mean age of 17.86 years. Sixty-five participants completed the questionnaire fully in both test and retest and were included in this study. A high degree of reliability was found between scores from both tests. The interclass coefficient was r(63) = .863, p = .01, indicating statistically significant agreement between test and retest. CONCLUSION The results support the WSQ as a reliable measure, confirming the WSQ as a reliable tool for user feedback on wheelchair function. Because the WSQ is designed to provide user feedback with enough granularity to give data on particular aspects of wheelchair structure and function, data can facilitate repair and modifications to wheelchair parts. Studies using the WSQ to assess specific wheelchair types could indicate consistent patterns of user satisfaction and dissatisfaction, revealing relevant design issues. The WSQ is designed to give wheelchair users a voice that can empower user centred modification and design changes to facilitate improved health, opportunity, and social interaction.Implications for RehabilitationResults from the WSQ could enable manufacturers to utilize user feedback to improve the design of wheelchairs for use in LMIC's, and providers could be better-informed in the selection of wheelchair types for specific environments.The WSQ could provide immediate user feedback to inform wheelchair modification and selection to best serve a particular user.The WSQ could be used in clinical settings over time to collect longitudinal data from wheelchair users, which could identify the most commonly perceived reasons for user dissatisfaction in a particular clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Bane
- School of Psychology and Counseling, LeTourneau University, Longview, TX, USA
| | - Vicki Sheafer
- School of Psychology and Counseling, LeTourneau University, Longview, TX, USA
| | - Karen Rispin
- Department of Biology, LeTourneau University, Longview, TX, USA.,Assistive Technology Catalyst Project, LeTourneau University, Longview, TX, USA
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7
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Dorjbal D, Prodinger B, Zanini C, Avirmed B, Stucki G, Rubinelli S. Living with spinal cord injury in Mongolia: A qualitative study on perceived environmental barriers. J Spinal Cord Med 2020; 43:518-531. [PMID: 30633693 PMCID: PMC7480610 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1565707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Environmental factors play a key role in the lives of individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI). This study identifies environmental barriers and their impacts on daily lives as perceived by individuals living with SCI in Mongolia. Design: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. A topic guide for the interviews was structured around the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Setting: Urban and rural areas of Mongolia. Participants: A purposive sample of 16 persons with traumatic SCI. Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome Measures: Not applicable. Results: Seven categories of environmental barriers were mentioned, such as poor access to the physical environment, absence of wheelchair-friendly transportation, negative societal attitudes, inadequate health and rehabilitation services, lack of access to assistive devices and medicines, limited financial resources for healthcare, and inaccurate categorization of disabilities in laws. These barriers were claimed to have an impact on physical and psychological health, limit activities, and restrict participation in almost all areas of life. Conclusion: This study contributes to the identification of targets for interventions aimed at improving the lived experience of persons with SCI in a low-resource context. The findings reveal that while the Mongolian government already has laws and policies in place to improve access to the physical environment, transportation, assistive devices and employment, much more has to be done in terms of enforcement. Specialized SCI care and rehabilitation services are highly demanded in Mongolia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delgerjargal Dorjbal
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of LucerneLucerne, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Prodinger
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of LucerneLucerne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Applied Health and Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim, Rosenheim, Germany
| | - Claudia Zanini
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of LucerneLucerne, Switzerland
| | - Baljinnyam Avirmed
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Gerold Stucki
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of LucerneLucerne, Switzerland
| | - Sara Rubinelli
- Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of LucerneLucerne, Switzerland
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8
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Mhatre A, Reese N, Pearlman J. Design and evaluation of a laboratory-based wheelchair castor testing protocol using community data. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226621. [PMID: 31923276 PMCID: PMC6953824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wheelchair castors fail frequently causing physical, social and economic consequences for wheelchair users. These failures occur in spite of established wheelchair test methods and regulations, suggesting that the existing tests may not be sufficient to screen poorly designed castors. An expert stakeholder group, convened by the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP), noted castor failures as a high priority and recommended that a new castor testing system should be developed. In a previous study, the effect of shock exposure on castor durability was studied. The current paper extends the previous work and focuses on the development of a castor testing protocol based on shock, corrosion and abrasion exposure data collected in the community. The testing protocol was applied to 8 different castor models tested under four conditions: shock, corrosion + shock, abrasion + shock and abrasion + corrosion + shock. For each model, a total of n = 8 samples were evaluated across the four conditions. Results demonstrate that corrosion and abrasion reduced castor durability between 13% to 100% depending on the model. Importantly, the inclusion of corrosion and abrasion resulted in changes in the failure modes for 75% of the tested models and two-thirds of the altered failure modes are associated with increased risk of injury for wheelchair users. These results suggest that corrosion and abrasion present in the community reduce castor durability, thus supporting their inclusion in the castor testing protocol and potentially other wheelchair standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Mhatre
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Norman Reese
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Engineering & Engineering Technology, LeTourneau University, Longview, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jon Pearlman
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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9
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Mhatre AA, Lachell S, Pearlman JL. Development, reliability, and piloting of a wheelchair caster failure inspection tool (C-FIT). Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2019; 15:195-204. [PMID: 30729825 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2018.1554714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Wheelchair casters fail frequently in the field causing multiple user consequences and wheelchair breakdowns. To inform caster design improvement, there exists no validated tools that can collect caster failures. This need motivated the development of a user-reported, caster failure inspection tool (C-FIT).Methods: To develop C-FIT, a multistep design and testing approach was used which included face validity testing, test-retest reliability testing and expert review. Reliability testing was conducted with two independent cohorts of wheelchair professionals who inspected caster failures physically and online through pictures. The tool was revised based on testing outcomes and expert feedback. For preliminary data collection and evaluating usability, C-FIT was piloted at wheelchair service centers in Scotland, Indonesia and Mexico.Results: Caster failure items reported in the literature were screened to develop the initial list of C-FIT items. Face validity testing conducted through surveys with wheelchair experts (n = 6) provided 14 items for C-FIT inclusion. The test-retest reliability was found to be high for 10 items with physical failure inspections (n = 12). For each of these items, 75% or more participants had substantial to almost perfect agreement scores (κ = 0.6-1.0). Lower reliability scores were found with online failure inspections (n = 11). C-FIT received positive usability feedback from study participants and data collectors in the field. Pilot field data (n = 31) included comprehensive details about failures useful for manufacturers, designers and researchers to improve caster designs.Conclusions: The C-FIT tool developed in this study has substantial reliability and can be used for documenting caster failures at wheelchair service centers.Implications for rehabilitationCollecting data on caster failures is an important first step to inform design improvements and caster quality testing methods.The caster failure inspection tool is a reliable tool that can be used during wheelchair repair and servicing to collect caster failures in a standardized way.The failure data can be used by wheelchair manufacturers, designers, technicians and researchers to develop reliable caster designs. Wheelchair providers can select caster designs based on context of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand A Mhatre
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Lachell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan L Pearlman
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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10
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Burrola-Mendez Y, Goldberg M, Gartz R, Pearlman J. Development of a Hybrid Course on Wheelchair Service Provision for clinicians in international contexts. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199251. [PMID: 29906794 PMCID: PMC6003808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Wheelchair users worldwide are at high risk of developing secondary health conditions and premature death due to inappropriate wheelchair provision by untrained providers. The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) has developed a Hybrid Course based on the World Health Organization’s Wheelchair Service Training Package—Basic Level. The Hybrid Course leverages online modules designed for low-bandwidth internet access that reduces the in-person training exposure from five to three and a half days, making it less expensive and more convenient for both trainees and trainers. Methods The Hybrid Course was designed using a systematic approach guided by an international group of stakeholders. The development followed the Quality Matters Higher Educational Rubric, web design guidelines for low bandwidth, experts’ opinions, and the best practices for blended course design. A quasi-experimental approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Hybrid Course taken by six graduate students in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh by measuring pre- and post knowledge using the validated ISWP Wheelchair Service Provision—Basic Test. The outcome measure was assessed using a paired sample t-test between pretest and posttest scores. The quality of the Hybrid Course was evaluated by three external reviewers using the Quality Matters Higher Educational Rubric who were blind to each others’ evaluation and the results of the training intervention. Results Hybrid Course participants reported significant increases in scores on the ISWP Wheelchair Service Provision—Basic Test after participating in the training, with an average increase of 10.84±5.42, p = 0.004, Cohen’s d = 1.99. In addition, the Hybrid Course met the Quality Matters Standards in two out of three evaluations and reported a percentage of agreement between evaluators of 84%. Conclusions The Hybrid Course met quality standards and proved to be effective in increasing basic level wheelchair knowledge in a group of Rehabilitation Science graduate students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohali Burrola-Mendez
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mary Goldberg
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Rachel Gartz
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jon Pearlman
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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11
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Pearlman J, Cooper R. Editorial. Afr J Disabil 2017; 6:423. [PMID: 29134180 PMCID: PMC5675921 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v6i0.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
No abstract available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Pearlman
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, University of Pittsburgh, United States
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Rory Cooper
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, University of Pittsburgh, United States
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, United States
- School of Health and Rehab Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, United States
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12
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Mhatre A, Ott J, Pearlman J. Development of wheelchair caster testing equipment and preliminary testing of caster models. Afr J Disabil 2017; 6:358. [PMID: 29062762 PMCID: PMC5645576 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v6i0.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the adverse environmental conditions present in less-resourced environments (LREs), the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that specialised wheelchair test methods may need to be developed to support product quality standards in these environments. A group of experts identified caster test methods as a high priority because of their common failure in LREs, and the insufficiency of existing test methods described in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Wheelchair Testing Standards (ISO 7176). OBJECTIVES To develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a caster system test method. METHOD Background literature and expert opinions were collected to identify existing caster test methods, caster failures common in LREs and environmental conditions present in LREs. Several conceptual designs for the caster testing method were developed, and through an iterative process using expert feedback, a final concept and a design were developed and a prototype was fabricated. Feasibility tests were conducted by testing a series of caster systems from wheelchairs used in LREs, and failure modes were recorded and compared to anecdotal reports about field failures. RESULTS The new caster testing system was developed and it provides the flexibility to expose caster systems to typical conditions in LREs. Caster failures such as stem bolt fractures, fork fractures, bearing failures and tire cracking occurred during testing trials and are consistent with field failures. CONCLUSION The new caster test system has the capability to incorporate necessary test factors that degrade caster quality in LREs. Future work includes developing and validating a testing protocol that results in failure modes common during wheelchair use in LRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Mhatre
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, United States
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Joseph Ott
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, United States
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jonathan Pearlman
- Human Engineering Research Laboratories, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, United States
- International Society of Wheelchair Professionals, University of Pittsburgh, United States
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