Comparative evaluation of electric wheelchair manoeuvrability.
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.
Pellegrini
Nadine
N
CIC-IT, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, 104 Boulevard Raymond Poincaré, Garches, France.
Bouche
Sébastien
S
Barbot
Frédéric
F
Figère
Marjorie
M
Guillon
Bruno
B
Lofaso
Frédéric
F
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