The wheelchair skills test, version 2.4: Validity of an algorithm-based questionnaire version.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that an algorithm-based questionnaire version of the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) would provide a valid assessment of manual wheelchair skills.


METHODS
Within-participant comparisons.


METHODS
Rehabilitation center in Nova Scotia, Canada.


METHODS
Twenty wheelchair users, 11 with musculoskeletal and 9 with neurologic disorders, with a wide range of wheelchair experience (1wk-20y).


METHODS
Each participant completed the questionnaire (WST-Q) and then the objective skills testing (WST, version 2.4).


METHODS
The WST-Q consisted of 3 components, reported as separate versions: the knowledge version (WST-Q [K]) (structured oral questions only); the visual-aid version (WST-Q [VA]) (visual aids added for 6 of the skills); and the categorical perceived-ability version (WST-Q [PA]).


RESULTS
The mean total percentage scores for the WST-Q (K), WST-Q (VA), WST-Q (PA), and WST were 60.5%, 62.2%, 64.0%, and 59.8%, respectively. Only the WST-Q (PA) differed significantly from the WST (P<.05). Positive correlations existed between the objective WST and the WST-Q (K) (r=.91), WST-Q (VA) (r=.91), and WST-Q (PA) (r=.83). The percentage agreement on the individual skill scores ranged from 55% to 100%.


CONCLUSIONS
The algorithm-based WST-Q has excellent concurrent validity in comparison with objective testing, when assessing the overall manual wheelchair skill levels of wheelchair users with a wide range of experience. It may be useful as a screening tool or when objective testing is impractical.
Mountain
Anita D
AD
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS.
Kirby
R Lee
RL
Smith
Cher
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014910:Wheelchairs