A study of wheelchair, movement and environmental factors associated with concerns about falls among wheelchairs users

BACKGROUND: Falls when using wheelchairs can have serious consequences for users. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate wheelchair types, daily movement and environmental factors associated with concerns about falls among wheelchair users. METHODS: Fifty-two wheelchair users (36 male a...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: De Oliveira, Paula Conceição Rocha [UNESP], Baleotti, Luciana Ramos [UNESP], Christofoletti, Gustavo, Medola, Fausto Orsi [UNESP]
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/307656
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/TAD-230004
https://hdl.handle.net/11449/307656
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:concern about falling
user perceptions
Wheelchair
wheelchair design
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: Falls when using wheelchairs can have serious consequences for users. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate wheelchair types, daily movement and environmental factors associated with concerns about falls among wheelchair users. METHODS: Fifty-two wheelchair users (36 male and 16 female, mean age of 44.3 ± 10 years) were interviewed online and responded to questions about the characteristics of their wheelchair, their experiences and concerns about falling while using their wheelchair. RESULTS: It was found that the highest levels of concern about falling when using wheelchairs were associated with the use of rigid frame wheelchairs; and with activities such as moving on sidewalks and ramps. Half of the sample reported that they did not receive training on wheelchair usage and had concerns about performing wheelie maneuvers. Reported falls caused by wheelchair failure were associated with increased concerns about falls. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that wheelchair type, daily movements and environments all influence wheelchair users' concerns about falls.