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. 2015 Jun 26;4(1):171.
doi: 10.4102/ajod.v4i1.171. eCollection 2015.

Exploring the impact of wheelchair design on user function in a rural South African setting

Surona Visagie  1 , Svenje Duffield  2 , Mariaan Unger  2
Affiliations

Exploring the impact of wheelchair design on user function in a rural South African setting

Surona Visagie et al. Afr J Disabil. .

Abstract

Background: Wheelchairs provide mobility that can enhance function and community integration. Function in a wheelchair is influenced by wheelchair design.

Objectives: To explore the impact of wheelchair design on user function and the variables that guided wheelchair prescription in the study setting.

Method: A mixed-method, descriptive design using convenience sampling was implemented. Quantitative data were collected from 30 wheelchair users using the functioning every day with a Wheelchair Scale and a Wheelchair Specification Checklist. Qualitative data were collected from ten therapists who prescribed wheelchairs to these users, through interviews. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify relationships, and content analysis was undertaken to identify emerging themes in qualitative data.

Results: Wheelchairs with urban designs were issued to 25 (83%) participants. Wheelchair size, fit, support and functional features created challenges concerning transport, operating the wheelchair, performing personal tasks, and indoor and outdoor mobility. Users using wheelchairs designed for use in semi-rural environments achieved significantly better scores regarding the appropriateness of the prescribed wheelchair than those using wheelchairs designed for urban use (p = <0.01). Therapists prescribed the basic, four-wheel folding frame design most often because of a lack of funding, lack of assessment, lack of skills and user choice.

Conclusion: Issuing urban type wheelchairs to users living in rural settings might have a negative effect on users' functional outcomes. Comprehensive assessments, further training and research, on long term cost and quality of life implications, regarding provision of a suitable wheelchair versus a cheaper less suitable option is recommended.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships which may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Impact of category of wheelchair on function (Kruskal-Wallis; p = 0.27)
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Impact of type of wheelchair on function as determined by the wheelchair specification checklist.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Comparison between wheelchair specification checklist scores and wheelchair design (Kruskal-Wallis; p = <0.01)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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