RESUMEN
This paper describes a preliminary study to investigate a range of approaches that might be used for measuring the effects of special seating on people with profound and multiple disabilities and their carers. A number of tools are proposed for measuring the effects on quality of life, function and carer satisfaction. The results of applying these tools to measure the effects of intervention with customized molded seating on nine people with multiple disabilities are described. The results suggest that these tools are sensitive to this intervention, showing a general beneficial effect with good carer satisfaction. The study points the way towards application of these tools to people with a wider range of disabilities and to different interventions.
Asunto(s)
Parálisis Cerebral/rehabilitación , Personas con Discapacidad , Discapacidades para el Aprendizaje , Silla de Ruedas , Adulto , Diseño de Equipo , Femenino , Indicadores de Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Calidad de VidaRESUMEN
Significant numbers of wheelchair users experience difficulties with propulsion due to impaired upper limb function (termed marginal users for this study). A survey of wheelchair users in Tayside, Scotland, was carried out to identify and describe the marginal user population and their propulsion difficulties. Subjects for the survey were identified from the records of National Health Service wheelchair users at Dundee Limb Fitting Centre. Subjects were interviewed at home about their wheelchair-propelling experiences. Survey results indicated that marginal users represent approximately 15% of the occupant-propelled wheelchair population. The average age of the marginal users surveyed was 48 years and the modal diagnosis was multiple sclerosis. Fifty-nine percent of the marginal users questioned felt that their wheelchairs were not adequate for their requirements.
Asunto(s)
Personas con Discapacidad , Silla de Ruedas , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Niño , Diseño de Equipo , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadAsunto(s)
Personas con Discapacidad , Silla de Ruedas , Anciano , Diseño de Equipo , Humanos , EscociaRESUMEN
Initial difficulties in producing seats for the physically disabled have led to an investigation of the process of seat prescription. An adjustable assessment chair was developed for the purpose of identifying patients' seating requirements. The main variables of the chair's configuration are controlled by a number of hydraulic and mechanical systems. Different support surfaces can be attached to the chair to simulate different seat characteristics. At present a bead bag vacuum consolidation system is used to simulate moulded seats. Experience to date has shown that the assessment chair performs a valuable clinical role in the provision of seating.