"We need a world we can operate in": Exploring the relationship between societal stigma and depression among wheelchair users.

BACKGROUND: Stigma looms over the disability community. OBJECTIVE OR HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of how societal stigma impacts depression among wheelchair users. METHODS: Mixed research methods were used on a sample of sixty full-time wheelchair users (M age = 43.78, SD = 15.50) whose disability was either acquired (n = 32) or congenital (n = 28). Data was collected via an anonymous Qualtrics survey. Qualitative and quantitative content analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified from the qualitative analysis, including pity, discomfort, and invisibility which demonstrated that our participants felt frequently stigmatized in public. Several participants noted how assumptions were made about their competence, intellect, ability, and the entire disability experience based on the physical representation of their wheelchair. The quantitative results demonstrated a positive correlation between The Major Depression Index and the Able Privilege Scale-Revised, a scale constructed to examine personal power and privilege in relation to society depending on disability type. CONCLUSIONS: Wheelchair users feel stigmatized by members of society, which is associated with increased levels of depression and perceived pity, discomfort, and invisibility.

Consensus for a power wheelchair training approach for people with cognitive impairments.

PURPOSE: Power wheelchairs (PWCs) can enhance independent mobility. The World Health Organization recommends training PWC users. However, current PWC training approaches do not always meet the needs of PWC users with complex mobility and cognitive impairment. The aim was to co-develop an innovative approach to PWC training for individuals with complex mobility and cognitive impairments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-phase mixed method research, involving PWC users, clinicians and researchers throughout all aspects of the research, was realized. (1) Interviews and focus groups were used. (2) The Delphi method was followed to refine the PWC training approach. RESULTS: Phase 1: Twenty-six stakeholders indicated that PWC training should consider the client as a partner, the learning environment, the proposed activities, interactions with the trainer and intervention format. Phase 2: two hundred and seven participants agreed that the PWC training should be goal directed, should be client-centred and occupation-based, should enhance client-therapist relationships and should be realized in a safe and adapted environment. CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders on PWC use came to agreement on key components that should be applied when training people with cognitive impairments.

Stakeholders on power wheelchair (PWC) use came to agreement on key components that should be applied when training people with cognitive impairments.Power wheelchair training should be goal directed, should be client-centred and occupation-based, should enhance client­therapist relationships and should be realized in a safe and adapted environment.Results of this study may contribute to best practices for PWC training and may empower occupational therapists providing PWC in their clinical decision-making.

Evaluation of interface pressure and temperature management in five wheelchair seat cushions and their effects on user satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Factors such as the manufacturing materials, shape or even the mechanical and thermal response of sitting Pressure Redistribution Support Surfaces (PRSS) can be potential contributors to pressure ulcers. However, few studies have compared a number of characteristics of the most frequently used devices. OBJECTIVE: To compare three potential contributors to pressure ulcers in five commercial PRSS: pressure redistribution, temperature and perceived comfort. METHOD: Study with a cross-over randomized design in healthy volunteer participants. Data was collected in a temperature and relative humidity controlled environment. To assess thermal response, the temperature (Flir-E60) of the region of interest was captured before and after use of each PRSS for further analysis. The region of interest was the gluteal zone. To assess the pressure redistribution a pressure mat (XSensor®) was used between the 5 cushion and each study participant using a standardized method. Finally, a subjective perception questionnaire recorded comfort, adaptability and thermal sensation parameters. Data analysis levels of significance were set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 22 participants completed the assessments. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline temperatures between PRSS (>0.05). Pressure redistribution analysis showed significant differences between all PRSS in all variables evaluated except in the maximum and peak pressure index al sacrum. The subjective assessment suggested no major user-perceived differences between PRSS. CONCLUSION: Seat cushions made of open cell polyurethane foam blocks of variable hardness and the horseshoe cushion (also open cell polyurethane foam) seem to provide a more effective pressure relief characteristic than those injected with polyurethane foam and gel in most of the studied pressure variables. However, the cushions provide similar thermal response and perceived comfort.

Fear of Falling, Community Participation, and Quality of Life Among Community-Dwelling People Who Use Wheelchairs Full Time.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the differences in community participation and quality of life (QOL) among individuals who use wheelchairs full time with and without fear of falling (FOF). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study design. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=85) who use a manual or power wheelchair full time who are living with various health conditions and have a history of at least 1 fall in the past 12 months (age, 45.4±15.8y; disability duration, 21.5±13.6y) were included. Forty-six (54%) were manual wheelchair users. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To quantify FOF, participants responded (yes/no) to the question: "Are you worried or concerned that you might fall?" Community participation and QOL were indexed by the Community Participation Indicator (CPI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to examine the differences in CPI and WHOQOL-BREF scores among wheelchair users who reported FOF and no FOF. RESULTS: A total of 54 participants (63.5%) reported that they were worried or concerned about falling. The MANOVA revealed significant differences in overall CPI (F2,82=4.714; P=.012; Wilks' λ=0.897) and WHOQOL-BREF (F4,63=3.32; P=.016; Wilks' λ=.826) scores. Participants who reported FOF demonstrated significantly lower CPI and WHOQOL-BREF scores compared with those who did not report FOF. CONCLUSIONS: FOF and associated activity curtailment are prevalent and may be a factor influencing full time wheelchair users' community participation and QOL. Prospective research is needed to better understand how FOF influences community participation and QOL among individuals who use wheelchairs full time. Findings would support the development of interventions, specifically for individuals who use wheelchairs full time, to reduce FOF and improve community participation and QOL.

Perspectives of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury on fall circumstances and fall prevention: A mixed methods approach using photovoice.

INTRODUCTION: Wheelchair users with spinal cord injury are at a high risk of falls. However, the perspectives of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury on their fall circumstances and their preferences for fall prevention strategies/interventions remain understudied. Therefore, we aimed to: a) describe the circumstances of falls experienced by wheelchair users with spinal cord injury over a six-month period, b) explore their perspectives of why falls occurred in certain situations, and c) explore their perspectives on recommended content/structure of fall prevention strategies/interventions. METHODS: This sequential explanatory mixed methods study had two phases. Phase I involved tracking of falls experienced by wheelchair users with spinal cord injury over six months, in which participants completed a survey after experiencing a fall to track the number/circumstance of each fall. Data from the surveys were descriptively reported. Phase II involved a photovoice focus group discussion of the survey findings and their preferences for fall prevention strategies/interventions. Data from the focus group discussion were analyzed using a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants completed phase I. More than half of the participants fell at least once in six months. Falls commonly occurred in the afternoon during a transfer, or when participants were wheeling over uneven ground. One-third of the falls caused an injury. Eleven participants that fell during phase I participated in the focus group. Two main themes were identified from the discussion: 1) "circumstances surrounding the falls" (e.g. when falls occurred, the home is a 'safe space') and 2) "suggestions and preferences for fall prevention strategies/interventions" (e.g. fall prevention involves all, fall prevention training available as needed). CONCLUSION: Fall prevention strategies/interventions should be an integral component of rehabilitation practices across the lifespan. Participants recommend customizing fall prevention strategies/interventions to their specific needs to guide the structure, content, and delivery of targeted fall prevention programs.

Psychophysical Health Factors and Its Correlations in Elderly Wheelchair Users Who Live in Nursing Homes.

Background: The aging is a multi-faceted process comprising both-the physical and mental alterations. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the variables affecting the psychophysical state of the elderly people using wheelchairs and living in nursing homes (NH). Methods: 165 older wheelchair users were included in the study after meeting the inclusion criteria and expressing written consent. The assessment involved cognitive functioning, depression, body balance and flexibility, lung capacity and upper limbs dexterity, strenght and endurance. The results showed negative correlation between depression and balance, upper limb dexterity and endurance and shoulder flexion. A positive correlation between cognitive functioning and balance, upper limb dexterity, strenght and endurance, lung capacity and joint mobility was determined. Also, the study proved positive correlation between daily functioning and functional fitness, muscle strength and endurance, body flexibility, joint mobility. The regression analysis showed that better scores in balance test and joint mobility implied with higher scores in cognitive functioning. The most important determinants of functional fitness were balance, hand grip strenght and joint mobility. Conclusion: The future study should be focused on developing interventions aimed at senior wheelchair users living in NHs to prevent the deterioration of their mental and physical fitness.

Transition to motherhood and mothering for women in wheelchairs: a nursing perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the process of transition to motherhood and mothering of women who are wheelchair users, from the perspective of Afaf Ibrahim Meleis. METHOD: Qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study conducted with six women in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The Life Narrative method was used, with thematic analysis in the light of Transitions Theory. RESULTS: Developmental and situational transitions occurred and were influenced by personal, community and social factor. Moved mainly by ignorance and prejudice of family members and of the social network, these factors were not barriers for motherhood and mothering. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The reproductive rights of women with disabilities must be respected and, for this, inclusive policies focused on women with disabilities should be adopted.

Longitudinal Outcomes Among Family Caregivers of Power Mobility Users.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the change over 1 year in the burden, wheelchair skills, social support, social participation, and mental health of family caregivers providing assistance to older adult powered wheelchair users. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=35) included family caregivers (mean age ± SD=63.7±10.2y) who provided at least 2 hours of general care per week for a powered wheelchair user. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Power Mobility Caregiver Assistive Technology Outcome Measure (frequency of care and subjective burden), the Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire for caregivers (wheelchair skills), the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-6 (social support), the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (social participation), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (mental health). Measures were taken at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a linear mixed model was used to assess changes over time in the outcomes. RESULTS: The results showed that the caregivers helped on average with 3 powered wheelchair-related activities and 10 other caregiving activities. They also experienced moderate subjective burden and social participation and were within the normal range for depression and anxiety. Moreover, those outcomes remained stable over the 1-year study period. However, the wheelchair skills scores showed significant changes over time, as the scores improved during the first 6 months of the study. CONCLUSION: Given that previous research indicated that subjective burden tends to decline over time among caregivers, the findings of stability in this study may reflect increasing needs among this population of caregivers, who may benefit from additional support and interventions. This would need further consideration.

Parents' perceptions of power wheelchair prescription for children with a neuromuscular disorder: a scoping review.

Purpose: To conduct a scoping review of the published evidence on parents' perceptions of power wheelchair prescription for children with a neuromuscular disorder and clinicians' influence on timely wheelchair implementation.Method: Nine electronic databases and reference lists of all retrieved full-text articles were searched up to March 2017. Eligibility criteria included (1) at least one child participant with a neuromuscular disorder, (2) power wheelchair as an intervention, and (3) qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods parent-reported outcomes related to power wheelchair equipment.Results: None of the 67 eligible studies examined parental perceptions of wheelchair prescription as a primary aim, and only 10 studies included children with a neuromuscular disorder. Parents reported their own emotional responses including grief and loss, emphasis on their child's walking and lack of accessibility as key barriers to power wheelchair prescription. Clinicians' perspectives on walking and powered mobility influenced parental decision-making regarding power wheelchair use for their child.Conclusion: Parents' experiences of initial wheelchair prescription have not been explored in existing literature. Clinicians' understanding of the benefits of power wheelchair equipment, particularly in the context of progression of neuromuscular disorders, is critical to facilitating timely wheelchair prescription with children. Condition-specific evidence is urgently needed to inform and support multidisciplinary management of children and their families.Implications for RehabilitationIt is important that rehabilitation professionals recognize parental barriers to initial power wheelchair prescription, such as strong emotional responses, an emphasis on their child's walking and lack of access.Clinicians' perspectives on walking and powered mobility may influence parental decision-making regarding engagement in power wheelchair prescription and rehabilitation.It is critical that clinicians are aware of and actively educate families regarding the benefits of powered mobility to facilitate timely prescription and support physical and psychological adjustment.

'I am free in my wheelchair but pain does have a say in it though': The meaning and experience of quality of life when living with paraplegia and chronic pain.

This study investigated how wheelchair-using individuals with paraplegia and chronic pain make sense of the factors associated with quality of life based on interviews using photo-elicitation and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three superordinate themes emerged in the analysis: experiencing quality of life through the perception of self and identity, interpersonal relationships as facilitators and barriers to quality of life and life in a wheelchair: pain experience and management. Quality of life for those living with paraplegia and chronic pain is experienced as a complex interaction across several life domains. The use of photographs may improve the communication of pain-related experiences and understanding by healthcare staff.

Powerful or Powerless? Children's, Parents', and Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Powered Mobility.

Aim: In Québec, Canada, the prevalence of children using powered mobility (PM) is not reflective of evidence supporting its use and for achieving developmental milestones. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of four key stakeholder groups in a metropolitan area regarding daily use, barriers, facilitators, and clinical practice associated with use of PM. Methods: Using convenience sampling, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with children (n = 6), parents (n = 2), rehabilitation center occupational therapists (OTs; n = 4), and special needs school-based OTs (n = 6). Drawings were used as a supplemental data collection strategy with children. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim to conduct thematic analysis. Results: Three overarching themes were identified: (1) "A sense of liberty, except…", highlighting environmental obstacles reducing social participation; (2) "A necessity, for better or for worse," covering benefits and drawbacks of PM; and (3) "First choice versus last resort," raising clinical differences related to provision, assessment, and training. Conclusions: Stakeholders' perceptions illustrated benefits of PM, yet use is contingent on the physical, institutional, and societal environments, leading stakeholders to feel both powerful and powerless as users, parents, or clinicians.

The effects of habituation and adding a rest-frame on experienced simulator sickness in an advanced mobility scooter driving simulator.

The aim of this article is to investigate the effect of a physical rest-frame, habituation and age on simulator sickness in an advanced mobility scooter driving simulator. Twenty-six young and 34 older adults completed a total of 12 drives in an advanced mobility scooter driving simulator over two visits. A 2x2 crossover design was used to measure the effect of a rest frame that was added to the driving simulator on either the first or second visit. The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire was used to measure simulator sickness symptoms. A significant decrease in simulator sickness was observed between the first and the second visit. Older adults reported more severe simulator sickness symptoms compared to younger participants. No effect of rest-frame could be found. Habituation appears to be the most effective method to reduce simulator sickness in an advanced mobility scooter driving simulator. More research is needed to investigate simulator sickness in patient groups. Practitioner summary: Experiencing simulator sickness is a major problem across all types of simulators. The present experiment investigated the effect of a rest-frame, habituation and age on developing simulator sickness symptoms in an advanced mobility scooter driving simulator. Habituation appeared to be the most effective method to reduce simulator sickness.

Impacts of early powered mobility provision on disability identity: A case study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Providing powered mobility technology to people with disabilities is a common rehabilitation practice. However, the relationship between powered mobility introduction and identity development, when considered in the context of lived experiences of children with disabilities and their families, is not well understood. Investigating this relationship is timely given the emergence of alternative, community-based early mobility opportunities using adapted mobility toys whose impact may contrast experiences using powered wheelchairs typically provided in rehabilitation settings. METHOD: Using a qualitative, ethnographic case study approach, in-depth interview and field observation data were collected with 2 children and families, 1 who received a traditional powered wheelchair and the other who received an adapted mobility toy. A grounded theory approach guided the data analysis, and emerging themes were discussed until consensus was reached between Heather Feldner and families. RESULTS: Findings revealed four themes: (1) dys/function of mobility technology; (2) daily Life, play, and participation; (3) emerging self/advocacy; and (4) complex family/industry interplay. CONCLUSION: Similarities and differences were present within the situated experiences of each family. Experiences were foregrounded by instances of emerging identity development throughout provision processes that were influenced by caregiver perceptions of disability (positive vs. negative), aesthetics and function (medical vs. adventure), and perceived intent of the devices (an opportunity for freedom vs. prolonging need for undesired mobility equipment). These findings highlight the varied dynamics and spheres of influence this transaction may have on the developing identity of children with disabilities, which may ultimately help inform future models of provision and rehabilitation practices. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Transition to motherhood and mothering for women in wheelchairs: a nursing perspective / Transición hacia la maternidad y el maternaje en mujeres usuarias de silla de ruedas: perspectiva de la enfermería / Transição para maternidade e maternagem em mulheres cadeirantes: perspectiva da enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To discuss the process of transition to motherhood and mothering of women who are wheelchair users, from the perspective of Afaf Ibrahim Meleis. Method: Qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study conducted with six women in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The Life Narrative method was used, with thematic analysis in the light of Transitions Theory. Results: Developmental and situational transitions occurred and were influenced by personal, community and social factor. Moved mainly by ignorance and prejudice of family members and of the social network, these factors were not barriers for motherhood and mothering. Final Considerations: The reproductive rights of women with disabilities must be respected and, for this, inclusive policies focused on women with disabilities should be adopted.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Discutir el proceso de transición hacia la maternidad y el maternaje de mujeres usuarias de silla de ruedas según la perspectiva de Afaf Ibrahim Meleis. Método: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, exploratorio, realizado entre 6 mujeres usuarias de silla de ruedas y residentes en el estado de Río de Janeiro. Se utilizó el método Narrativa de Vida con análisis temático a la luz de la Teoría de la Transición. Resultados: Se produjeron transiciones de desarrollo y de situación, influenciadas por factores personales, comunitarios y sociales. Movidos principalmente por el desconocimiento, el prejuicio de la familia y de la red social, estos factores no fueron un impedimento para el ejercicio de la maternidad y del maternaje. Consideraciones finales: Deben respetarse los derechos reproductivos de las mujeres con movilidad reducida y para lograr este cometido se hace necesario adoptar políticas transversales con prácticas inclusivas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Discutir o processo de transição para a maternidade e maternagem de mulheres cadeirantes na perspectiva de Afaf Ibrahim Meleis. Método: Estudo qualitativo, descritivo, exploratório, realizado com 6 mulheres cadeirantes residentes no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Utilizou-se o método Narrativa de Vida com análise temática à luz da Teoria da Transição. Resultados: Ocorreram as transições desenvolvimental e situacional, com influência de fatores pessoais, comunitários e sociais. Movidos principalmente por desconhecimento, preconceito da família e da rede social, esses fatores não foram impedimentos para o exercício da maternidade e da maternagem. Considerações finais: Os direitos reprodutivos da mulher cadeirante devem ser respeitados e, para isso, políticas transversais devem ser adotadas com práticas inclusivas às mulheres com deficiência.

Perceived coach leadership style and psychological well-being among South African national male wheelchair basketball players.

BACKGROUND: An understanding of psychological welfare in sport is essential for the advancement of coach development frameworks and practices to meet the needs of contemporary disabled athletes. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the perceived coach leadership style and psychological well-being (PWB) of South African senior national level male wheelchair basketball players (n = 16, Mage = 32.13, SD = 6.62 years). METHODS: An exploratory, quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed in which the Leadership Scale for Sport, Subjective Vitality Scale, and Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale were utilised to collect the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to describe and analyse the data respectively. RESULTS: Players exhibited high levels of subjective vitality and overall PWB. The perceived coach leadership style was strongly represented by the exhibition of training and instruction, and positive feedback behaviour which were also moderately and significantly associated with players' subjective vitality scores and various dimensions of PWB. Moderate and strong negative associations were also noted between players' positive relations with other and the coach's exhibition of democratic, and autocratic leadership behaviour respectively. Essentially, hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that components of perceived coach leadership style were not found to predict PWB. CONCLUSION: Although further investigation on national level disabled athletes is warranted, it was concluded that aspects of coaches' leadership style in conjunction with athletes' national level experience could contribute to athletes' professed states of PWB in their sport environment. This study represents essential yet persistently understudied information on selected social settings in sport.

Relationship of Fitness and Wheelchair Mobility With Encounters, Avoidances, and Perception of Environmental Barriers Among Manual Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To assess (1) if fitness and mobility are related to behavior and perception of physical barriers and (2) if behavior and physical barrier perception are related. DESIGN: Cross-sectional case series. SETTING: Academic Medical Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Manual wheelchair users (N=50) with chronic spinal cord injury (62% paraplegia). INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed the following assessments: (1) fitness: graded exercise test (aerobic) and Wingate (anaerobic); (2) mobility: 6-minute push test and 30-second sprint test; (3) physical barrier behavior: Encounters of Environmental Features in the Environmental Aspects of Mobility Questionnaire (EAMQ); (4) physical barrier perception: Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factor (CHIEF) Environmental Barriers domain. RESULTS: Individuals with paraplegia had higher fitness, mobility, and environmental barrier encounter rates and lower avoidance per encounter rates vs tetraplegia (all P≤.05). For individuals with tetraplegia only, as mobility and fitness increased, frequencies of (1) encounters increased; (2) avoidances per encounter decreased, in multiple EAMQ domains (all P≤.05). Perception of barriers did not differ between lesion levels (P=.79). Mobility and fitness were not related to environmental barriers perception in both groups (all P>.17). CONCLUSIONS: Fitness and mobility are associated with barrier behaviors (ie, encounters and avoidances) among individuals with tetraplegia, but not paraplegia. Despite a greater barrier avoidance rate, persons with tetraplegia do not perceive more physical barriers than persons with paraplegia. Surprisingly, fitness and mobility were not related to perception of barriers in either group. More research is required on if barrier perception, behavior, or both influence participation, to enable rehabilitation programs to tailor interventions to enhance participation.

Determining the burden of the family caregivers of people with neuromuscular diseases who use a wheelchair.

The present study provides a basic outline of the care and support that family caregivers offer to people affected by neuromuscular diseases.To determine the presence of burden in caregivers of people with neuromuscular diseases who use a wheelchair and to establish whether the presence of burden is influenced by contextual factors, between them, the use of wheelchair.The applied design was cross-sectional and descriptive. The data were collected through a specific questionnaire, the Functional Independence Measure, the Matching Person and Technology form and the Zarit Burden Interview. The caregiver burden was analyzed in relation to different characteristics of the affected people, their wheelchairs, and factors related to the family caregivers themselves. The sample consisted of 41 caregivers, most of them (78.1%) being parents of the affected people.The burden was detected in 71.7% of caregivers. The level of dependence was not related to the presence of burden. Performing care work affected carers' physical health (80.5%), their mood (68.3%), and reduced their leisure time (90.2%). The type of wheelchair and the frequency of its use were not related to the burden.The results suggest that caregivers perceive burden, but its intensity is not related to the seriousness of the disease of the care receiver.

Wheelchair Breakdowns Are Associated With Pain, Pressure Injuries, Rehospitalization, and Self-Perceived Health in Full-Time Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relation between wheelchair breakdowns, their immediate consequences, and secondary health complications after spinal cord injury. "Immediate consequences" occur when part of a wheelchair breaks and leaves an individual stranded or injured, or causes him or her to miss medical appointments, work, or school. DESIGN: Survey, cross-sectional. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers. PARTICIPANTS: Full-time wheelchair users (N=771) with SCI from 9 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers, with data collected between 2011 and 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of self-reported wheelchair breakdowns within the past 6 months that did or did not result in immediate consequences (ie, injury, being stranded, missing a medical appointment, or an inability to attend school/work); self-perceived health status scale; pain severity numerical rating scale; rehospitalizations; and self-reported pressure injury development within the past 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 610 participants with complete data sets were included in the analyses. When compared to those who reported no breakdowns, participants who reported 1 or more immediate consequences had worse secondary complications: higher self-perceived health status and pain scores (partial -η2=.009-.012, P<.05), and higher odds of rehospitalization (odds ratio: 1.86, P<.05) and pressure injury development (odds ratio: 1.73, P<.05). Secondary health complications were not different in those who reported no immediate consequences compared to those who reported no breakdown. CONCLUSIONS: Wheelchair breakdowns that resulted in injury, being stranded, missing medical appointments, and/or an inability to attend work/school appear to have far-reaching impacts on health and secondary injury. Preventing wheelchair breakdowns, through either better maintenance or manufacturing, may be a means of decreasing secondary disability.

Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a Fatigability Index for Full-Time Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate psychometrically a self-reported instrument assessing physical fatigability (PF) and mental fatigability (MF) in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Peer-support groups at rehabilitation centers, online support groups. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with SCI (N=464) in the United States. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The dimensional structure was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis. The relationship between item responses and fatigability was measured with item response theory (graded response model). Reliability was measured with test information functions. Differential item functioning was evaluated with Wald chi-square tests and the weighted area between the curves. Construct validity was assessed using the known groups method. RESULTS: An 82-item pool was developed from prior qualitative research and consultations with rehabilitation experts. A non-probability sample (N=464) was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PF and MF scales. The item pool was reduced to 75 based on factor loadings and R2. Both scales are primarily unidimensional, despite moderate multidimensionality. There is good discrimination overall: 18 PF items and 26 MF items have high or very high discrimination power (slopes > 1.35). The measurement precision in the theta range -2.0 to 2.5 is the equivalent of 0.94 reliability for PF and 0.91 for MF. For both measures, F statistics P values were significant at P<.01, and means were higher for those with paraplegia vs quadriplegia, and for those with incomplete paraplegia. CONCLUSIONS: The Fatigability Index is the first instrument designed to assess physical and mental fatigability in adults with SCI. The index highlights causes of fatigue and areas requiring immediate intervention. Development of short-forms and further research on representative samples are necessary.

Extent to Which Caregivers Enhance the Wheelchair Skills Capacity and Confidence of Power Wheelchair Users: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that caregivers enhance the wheelchair skills capacity and confidence of the power wheelchair users to whom they provide assistance, and to describe the nature of that assistance. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional study. SETTING: Rehabilitation centers and communities. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=152) included caregivers (n=76) and wheelchair users (n=76). INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Version 4.3 of the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) and the Wheelchair Skills Test-Questionnaire (WST-Q). For each of the 30 individual skills, we recorded data about the wheelchair user alone and in combination (blended) with the caregiver. RESULTS: The mean total WST capacity scores ± SD for the wheelchair users alone and blended were 78.1%±9.3% and 92.4%±6.1%, respectively, with a mean difference of 14.3%±8.7% (P<.0001). The mean WST-Q capacity scores ± SD were 77.0%±10.6% and 93.2%±6.4%, respectively, with a mean difference of 16.3%±9.8% (P<.0001). The mean WST-Q confidence scores ± SD were 75.5%±12.7% and 92.8%±6.8%, respectively, with a mean difference of 17.5%±11.7% (P<.0001). The mean differences corresponded to relative improvements of 18.3%, 21.0%, and 22.9%, respectively. The nature and benefits of the caregivers' assistance could be summarized in 7 themes (eg, caregiver provides verbal support [cueing, coaching, reporting about the environment]). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers significantly enhance the wheelchair skills capacity and confidence of the power wheelchair users to whom they provide assistance, and they do so in a variety of ways. These findings have significance for wheelchair skills assessment and training.