PURPOSE: Efficient mobility could be a prerequisite to carrying out many daily activities and social roles (social participation). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of wheelchair acquisition on social participation. METHODS: Single group pre/post design where the intervention was the acquisition of a wheelchair paid for by the provincial government. Data were collected retrospectively from the participants' medical files. Individuals were excluded if they received an assistive device other than a wheelchair or contacted the centre only for wheelchair repairs. Social participation was measured using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample (n = 42) had a mean age of 64.2 +/- 18.5 years, and 50% of them (n = 21) did not have a wheelchair before the intervention. The total RNLI scores pre- (46.9/100 +/- 24.7) and post-acquisition (29.7/100 +/- 18.5) showed a significant improvement in participation (p < 0.001). No difference was found between those who had their first wheelchair (n = 21) compared with replacement. Single-item analysis of the RNLI showed a significant difference for 5 of the 11 items. Age and diagnosis were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with some of the items. CONCLUSION: Social participation improved significantly following wheelchair acquisition although confounding variables may have contributed to this improvement.
PURPOSE: Efficient mobility could be a prerequisite to carrying out many daily activities and social roles (social participation). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of wheelchair acquisition on social participation. METHODS: Single group pre/post design where the intervention was the acquisition of a wheelchair paid for by the provincial government. Data were collected retrospectively from the participants' medical files. Individuals were excluded if they received an assistive device other than a wheelchair or contacted the centre only for wheelchair repairs. Social participation was measured using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample (n = 42) had a mean age of 64.2 +/- 18.5 years, and 50% of them (n = 21) did not have a wheelchair before the intervention. The total RNLI scores pre- (46.9/100 +/- 24.7) and post-acquisition (29.7/100 +/- 18.5) showed a significant improvement in participation (p < 0.001). No difference was found between those who had their first wheelchair (n = 21) compared with replacement. Single-item analysis of the RNLI showed a significant difference for 5 of the 11 items. Age and diagnosis were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with some of the items. CONCLUSION: Social participation improved significantly following wheelchair acquisition although confounding variables may have contributed to this improvement.
Authors: R Lee Kirby; William C Miller; Francois Routhier; Louise Demers; Alex Mihailidis; Jan Miller Polgar; Paula W Rushton; Laura Titus; Cher Smith; Mike McAllister; Chris Theriault; Kara Thompson; Bonita Sawatzky Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2015-07-30 Impact factor: 3.966
Authors: François Routhier; Josiane Lettre; William C Miller; Jaimie F Borisoff; Kate Keetch; Ian M Mitchell; CanWheel Research Team Journal: Assist Technol Date: 2017-01-04
Authors: Caryne Torkia; Denise Reid; Nicol Korner-Bitensky; Dahlia Kairy; Paula W Rushton; Louise Demers; Philippe S Archambault Journal: Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol Date: 2014-03-18
Authors: Brodie M Sakakibara; William C Miller; Melanie Souza; Viara Nikolova; Krista L Best Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2013-02-04 Impact factor: 3.966
Authors: Rosemary Joan Gowran; Nathan Bray; Mary Goldberg; Paula Rushton; Marie Barhouche Abou Saab; David Constantine; Ritu Ghosh; Jonathan Pearlman Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-24 Impact factor: 3.390