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Learning to use a rear-mounted power assist for manual wheelchairs

Abstract Objectives: 1) To investigate how much training manual wheelchair users perceive is required to learn to use a rear-mounted power assist safely and confidently. 2) To evaluate how the power assist affected wheelchair users’ ability to negotiate a standardized obstacle course, wheelchair skills capacity and wheelchair mobility confidence. Method: This study used a pre- versus post-test intervention design. Outcome measures included a standardized obstacle course, and modified versions of the Wheelchair Skills Test 4.2 (WST) and the Wheelchair Confidence Measure. Results: The 11 participants felt safe and confident using the power assist within one to two training sessions. However, some potential safety concerns were noted. Participants performed two obstacle course tasks significantly more quickly with the power assist. Conclusions: Participants felt safe using the device with limited training and the device facilitated some mobility task performance. Further research is needed to understand the outcomes of long-term, community use. Implications for Rehabilitation Most experienced wheelchair users wanted only one or two training sessions with a new rear mounted power assist device; however, some safety concerns were noted. The device did not appear to affect user’s confidence. The device enabled users to perform some mobility tasks more quickly and allowed some users to perform some mobility tasks they were unable to perform in their regular MWC.