Manual Wheelchair-Handling Skills by Caregivers Using New and Conventional Rear Anti-Tip Devices: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract 

Kirby RL, Walker R, Smith C, Best K, MacLeod DA, Thompson K. Manual wheelchair-handling skills by caregivers using new and conventional rear anti-tip devices: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that, in comparison with caregivers handling manual wheelchairs equipped with conventional rear anti-tip devices (C-RADs), those using a new design (Arc-RADs) perform relevant wheelchair skills better and as safely.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Rehabilitation center.

Participants

Caregivers (n=16) and the wheelchair users (n=16) for whom they cared.

Intervention

Participants were trained in wheelchair-handling skills for an average of 54 minutes each.

Main Outcome Measures

Total percentage score on a set of 20 rear anti-tip device- and caregiver-relevant skills from the Wheelchair Skills Test, version 3.2, administered a minimum of 3 days after training.

Results

For the C-RAD and Arc-RAD groups, the mean ± SD Wheelchair Skills Test scores were 40%±0% and 98.8%±3.5%, respectively (P<.001). Skills that required the wheelchair to be tipped back extensively (eg, for ascending a 15cm curb) accounted for the differences between the groups. There were no adverse effects in either group.

Conclusions

The Arc-RAD design allows significantly better caregiver wheelchair-handling skills than the conventional design, without compromising safety.

Key Words: Caregivers, Rehabilitation, Safety, Wheelchairs

List of Abbreviations: Arc-RAD, new design for rear anti-tip device, C-RAD, conventional rear anti-tip device, RAD, rear anti-tip device, WST, Wheelchair Skills Test