title: Effect of a high-rolling-resistance training method on the success rate and time required to learn the wheelchair wheelie skill: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The primary objective of this study was to test the hypotheses that a wheelie training method that begins in a high-rolling-resistance (RR) setting (1) improves the success rate and (2) reduces the training time. Our secondary objectives were to assess the effects of other factors (e.g., age, gender) on training time and to acquire data on the perceptions of the participants that would assist us in refining our training methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled study including 48 able-bodied participants with no significant wheelchair experience. Each participant was taught the wheelie skill, using up to five training sessions. Participants in the conventional group did all of their training on a smooth, level, tile surface. The RR group began training in a high-RR setting (rear wheels initially prevented from moving at all, progressing to being on 12-cm-thick foam that permitted some movement) before moving to the tile surface. Outcome measures were success rate (%), training time (mins) to achieve wheelie competence (defined as the ability to perform two consecutive 30-sec wheelies within a 1.5-m-diameter circle, assessed at least 2 days after training), and a questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The success rates for those in the conventional and RR groups were 96% and 100%, respectively (P = 1.000). The mean (+/-SD) training times for the conventional and RR groups were 55.9 mins (+/-27.1) and 51.8 mins (+/-18.7) (P = 0.549). Training time was not significantly affected by trainer or age, but it was affected by sex, with women requiring an average of 21.4 mins more than men (P = 0.002). Perceptions of participants in both groups about the training were positive. Of the participants in the RR group, 14 (74%) perceived the RR technique as "very effective," and five (26%) perceived it as "moderately effective."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neither success rate nor training time for wheelie skill acquisition by able-bodied learners are improved by a training method using high RR. Women require more time to learn than men. Learners using the RR technique perceive it to be effective. These results have implications for training practices.
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: R Lee
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Kirby
authors.forename: D Jason
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Gillis
authors.forename: Alison L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Boudreau
authors.forename: Cher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rushton
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Clark-Gallant
authors.forename: Kim E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Webber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014910:Wheelchairs