title: Evidence-Based Strategies for Preserving Mobility for Elderly and Aging Manual Wheelchair Users.
abstract: Elderly and aging manual wheelchair (MWC) users have increased risk for accelerated loss of function and mobility that greatly limits independence and affects quality of life. This review paper addresses important issues for preserving function and mobility for elderly and aging individuals who use a MWC by presenting the current available evidence and recommendations. These include recommendations for maximizing function, by decreasing pain, improving the ability to self-propel, and prolonging mobility and endurance through ergonomics, individualized wheelchair selection and configuration, and adaptations for increasing the capacity to handle the daily mobility demands through training, strengthening, and exercise. Each recommendation is supported by current research in each relevant area.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Department, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, USA ; Rehabilitation Engineering Program, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, USA ; Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, USA.
authors.forename: Philip S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Requejo
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Department, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, USA.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Furumasu
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Department, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, USA ; Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 7601 E. Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242, USA.
authors.forename: Sara J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Mulroy
keywords: Elderly and Aging; Evidenced Based Practice; Functional Mobility; Manual Wheelchair; Pain and Dysfunction; Quality of Life; Seating and Positioning