Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J74706

Journal:


Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 97, 10, 1777-1784, 1784.e1-1784.e3

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study assessed the effectiveness of group wheelchair skills training to elicit improvements in wheelchair skills for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants were recruited from 4 SCI Model Systems Centers. A total of 114 manual wheelchair users with SCI were randomly assigned to six 90-minute group Wheelchair Skills Training Program (WSTP) classes or two 1-hour active control sessions with 6 to 10 people per group. Baseline (t1) and 1-month follow-up (t2) measures included the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire (WST-Q) for capacity and performance and Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) score. Follow-up was completed by 79 participants (36 WSTP and 43 active control). No differences were found between missing and complete cases. Many users were highly skilled at baseline with a WST-Q capacity interquartile range of 77 to 97 percent. There were no differences between groups at baseline in WST-Q measures or demographics. Compared with the active control group, the WSTP group improved in WST-Q capacity advanced score but not in WST-Q capacity or WST-Q performance total scores. The average GAS score (0 percent at t1) for the WSTP group at t2 was 65.6 percent. Higher GAS scores and WST-Q capacity scores were found for those who attended more classes and had lower baseline skills. Findings suggest that group training can improve advanced wheelchair skills capacity and facilitate achievement of individually set goals. Lower skill levels at baseline and increased attendance were correlated with greater improvement.

Author(s):


Worobey, Lynn A., Kirby, R. Lee, Heinemann, Allen W., Krobot, Emily A., Dyson-Hudson, Trevor A., Cowna, Rachel E., Pedersen, Jessica P., Shea, Mary, Boninger, Michael L.

Participating Centers: