title: Comparative evaluation of electric wheelchair manoeuvrability.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine whether manoeuvrability varied between electric wheelchairs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, prospective, repeated measures design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve wheelchair users.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three different electric powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs (Invacare Storm 3, Ottobock B500, and Meyra Champ) intended for use by patients with severe impairments were tested over an indoor and an outdoor circuit. Points were assigned when the users touched the circuit boundaries or failed to pass obstacles. The users completed the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology questionnaire (QUEST).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Performance was significantly worse with Ottobock B500 compared with the other 2 wheelchairs on the indoor test (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05 for both comparisons) and compared with Invacare Storm on the outdoor test (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05). The mean 6-item QUEST score, effectiveness, and simplicity of use were significantly worse for Ottobock B500 than for the other 2 wheelchairs (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Differences in manoeuvrability exist between commercially available electric wheelchairs belonging to the same category. Driving tests and QUEST provide complementary and concordant information.
authors.affiliation: CIC-IT, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, 104 Boulevard Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France.
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pellegrini
authors.forename: Sébastien
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bouche
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barbot
authors.forename: Marjorie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Figère
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Guillon
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lofaso
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014910:Wheelchairs