Category: Technology (e.g. robotics, assistive technology, mHealth); Clinical Practice (assessment, diagnosis, treatment, knowledge translation/EBP, implementation science, program development)
Objective :
To examine the influence of anterior tilt on Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living.
Design :
Mixed methods, repeated measures study. After completion of a baseline assessment, participants were provided a power wheelchair equipped with anterior tilt to use in the community for 14 days. After the intervention period, a follow up assessment was completed.
Setting :
Community
Participants (or Animals, Specimens, Cadavers) :
Ten full time power wheelchair users who currently use a seat elevator participated in this study.
Interventions :
Participants used the study power wheelchair in the community for a two-week trial period and were encouraged to perform a variety of activities of daily living.
Main Outcome Measure(s) :
Modified functional reach test, performance assessment of self-care skills (modified version), transfer assessment instrument. Participants also completed an interview on use of the technology.
Results :
Significant improvements were seen among vertical reach distance (p= 0.000) but not in the horizontal direction (p= 0.821). Among PASS scores, meal preparation safety scores significantly improved (p= 0.033). Trends toward significant improvement were also seen in level of assistance related to medication management (with child proof cap) (p= 0.068), adequacy of performance of upper body dressing (p= 0.084), adequacy of meal preparation (p= 0.058) and adequacy of grocery shopping retrieval (p= 0.074). Finally, a trend towards significant improvement was seen among TAI scores (p = 0.063). Subjectively, participants reported improved reaching distance and interactions with standing colleagues. However, safety equipment was restrictive.
Conclusions :
Anterior tilt has potential to support performance of functional activities. Further testing is needed to examine the influence among a larger population.
Laura Rice
– Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IllinoisRebecca Yarnot
– Graduate Research Assistant, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IllinoisSarah Mills
– Undergraduate Research Assistant, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Fairmount, Illinois