Manual wheelchair-handling skills by caregivers using new and conventional rear anti-tip devices: a randomized controlled trial.
Kirby RL, Walker R, Smith C, Best K, MacLeod DA, Thompson K. Manual wheelchair-handling skills by caregivers using new and conventional rear anti-tip devices: a randomized controlled trial.


OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that, in comparison with caregivers handling manual wheelchairs equipped with conventional rear anti-tip devices (C-RADs), those using a new design (Arc-RADs) perform relevant wheelchair skills better and as safely.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Caregivers (n=16) and the wheelchair users (n=16) for whom they cared.


METHODS
Participants were trained in wheelchair-handling skills for an average of 54 minutes each.


METHODS
Total percentage score on a set of 20 rear anti-tip device- and caregiver-relevant skills from the Wheelchair Skills Test, version 3.2, administered a minimum of 3 days after training.


RESULTS
For the C-RAD and Arc-RAD groups, the mean +/- SD Wheelchair Skills Test scores were 40%+/-0% and 98.8%+/-3.5%, respectively (P<.001). Skills that required the wheelchair to be tipped back extensively (eg, for ascending a 15cm curb) accounted for the differences between the groups. There were no adverse effects in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
The Arc-RAD design allows significantly better caregiver wheelchair-handling skills than the conventional design, without compromising safety.
Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dalhousie University, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre Site, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. kirby@dal.ca
R Lee
RL
Kirby
Rebecca
R
Walker
Cher
C
Smith
Krista
K
Best
Donald A
DA
Macleod
Kara
K
Thompson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014910:Wheelchairs