Impact of wheelchair acquisition on social participation.
OBJECTIVE
Efficient mobility could be a prerequisite to carrying out many daily activities and social roles (social participation). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of wheelchair acquisition on social participation.


METHODS
Single group pre/post design where the intervention was the acquisition of a wheelchair paid for by the provincial government. Data were collected retrospectively from the participants' medical files. Individuals were excluded if they received an assistive device other than a wheelchair or contacted the centre only for wheelchair repairs. Social participation was measured using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) questionnaire.


RESULTS
The sample (n = 42) had a mean age of 64.2 +/- 18.5 years, and 50% of them (n = 21) did not have a wheelchair before the intervention. The total RNLI scores pre- (46.9/100 +/- 24.7) and post-acquisition (29.7/100 +/- 18.5) showed a significant improvement in participation (p < 0.001). No difference was found between those who had their first wheelchair (n = 21) compared with replacement. Single-item analysis of the RNLI showed a significant difference for 5 of the 11 items. Age and diagnosis were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with some of the items.


CONCLUSIONS
Social participation improved significantly following wheelchair acquisition although confounding variables may have contributed to this improvement.
Rousseau-Harrison
Kate
K
School of Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, Montréal, Canada.
Rochette
Annie
A
Routhier
François
F
Dessureault
Danielle
D
Thibault
François
F
Côté
Odile
O
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014505:Urban Population; D014910:Wheelchairs