Comparison of activities of daily living (ADLs) in two different one arm drive wheelchairs: a study of individuals/participants with hemiplegia

Abstract

Aims: This pilot study measured activities of daily living performance in individuals/participants with hemiplegia propelling both a standard dual handrim Action 3 wheelchair and a standard Action 3 wheelchair with a Neater Uni-Wheelchair kit attachment. The kit consists of a steerable front. Research questions: Does the use of the NUW affect the performance quality of activities of daily living in individuals/participants with hemiplegia. Is there a difference in the motor and process skills during activities of daily living performance, and in the time taken to complete the activities. Methods: Four individuals/participants with hemiplegia were used in a cross over, repeated measures trial. Assessment of Motor and Process Skills of users undertaking making a bed and laying a table “Swedish style”, tasks were measured and time taken to complete each task were recorded. Results: Bed making completion time was quicker in the Neater Uni-wheelchair (p < 0.03). Motor skills were significantly higher than the process ability skills (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Activities of daily living tasks in the Neater Uni-wheelchair were completed more efficiently with no loss in quality of motor and process skills performance. This suggests that the Neater Uni-wheelchair is a viable alternative to current one arm drive provision.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Inappropriate wheelchair provision can result in capacity limitation and poorer quality of ADL motor skill as well-lowered process performance skill.

• AMPS can help to explain motor and process skill differences in complex activities.

Keywords:

• Activities of daily living
• assessment of motor and process skills
• ergonomic efficiency

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Notes

¹The research was undertaken as a DoH funded collaboration between Neater Solutions and the University of Brighton. There is no financial, commercial or conflict of interest between any of the parties.