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.
Kirby
R Lee
RL
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
Walker
Rebecca
R
Smith
Cher
C
Best
Krista
K
Macleod
Donald A
DA
Thompson
Kara
K
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