Brodie M Sakakibara1, William C Miller2, Janice J Eng3, François Routhier4, Catherine L Backman5. 1. B.M. Sakakibara, PhD, Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 2. W.C. Miller, PhD, FCAOT, Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, T325-2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2B5 Canada, and Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. bcmiller@telus.net. 3. J.J. Eng, PhD, BSc(PT/OT), Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, and Rehabilitation Research Program, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. 4. F. Routhier, PEng, PhD, Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada. 5. C.L. Backman, PhD, FCAOT, Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There are no predictive models of wheelchair-use confidence. Therefore, clinicians and researchers are limited in their ability to screen for and identify wheelchair users who may be more prone to low wheelchair-use confidence and may benefit from clinical intervention. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify health-related, personal, and environmental factors that predict perceived wheelchair-use confidence in community-dwelling adults who use manual wheelchairs. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted. METHODS: Community-dwelling manual wheelchair users (N=124) were included in the study if they were ≥50 years of age, had ≥6 months of wheelchair use experience, and had no cognitive impairment. The Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale was used to assess wheelchair-use confidence. The sociodemographic information form, Functional Comorbidity Index, Seating Identification Tool, Interpersonal Support and Evaluation List, and Home and Community Environment Instrument captured the independent variables. Blocks of health, personal, and environmental variables were sequentially entered into the regression model. RESULTS: Five personal variables (age, standardized beta [β]=-0.18; sex, β=-0.26; daily hours of wheelchair occupancy, β=0.20; wheelchair-use training, β=0.20; and wheelchair-use assistance, β=-0.34) and one environmental variable (need for seating intervention, β=-0.18) were statistically significant predictors, explaining 44% of the confidence variance. LIMITATIONS: The sample comprised volunteers and, therefore, may underrepresent or overrepresent particular groups within the population. The study's cross-sectional research design does not allow for conclusions to be made regarding causality. CONCLUSION: Older women who use wheelchairs and who require assistance with wheelchair use may have low wheelchair-use confidence. The same is true for individuals who have no formal wheelchair-use training, who are in need of a seating intervention, and who report few hours of daily wheelchair use. These wheelchair users may require clinical attention and benefit from intervention.
BACKGROUND: There are no predictive models of wheelchair-use confidence. Therefore, clinicians and researchers are limited in their ability to screen for and identify wheelchair users who may be more prone to low wheelchair-use confidence and may benefit from clinical intervention. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify health-related, personal, and environmental factors that predict perceived wheelchair-use confidence in community-dwelling adults who use manual wheelchairs. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted. METHODS: Community-dwelling manual wheelchair users (N=124) were included in the study if they were ≥50 years of age, had ≥6 months of wheelchair use experience, and had no cognitive impairment. The Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale was used to assess wheelchair-use confidence. The sociodemographic information form, Functional Comorbidity Index, Seating Identification Tool, Interpersonal Support and Evaluation List, and Home and Community Environment Instrument captured the independent variables. Blocks of health, personal, and environmental variables were sequentially entered into the regression model. RESULTS: Five personal variables (age, standardized beta [β]=-0.18; sex, β=-0.26; daily hours of wheelchair occupancy, β=0.20; wheelchair-use training, β=0.20; and wheelchair-use assistance, β=-0.34) and one environmental variable (need for seating intervention, β=-0.18) were statistically significant predictors, explaining 44% of the confidence variance. LIMITATIONS: The sample comprised volunteers and, therefore, may underrepresent or overrepresent particular groups within the population. The study's cross-sectional research design does not allow for conclusions to be made regarding causality. CONCLUSION: Older women who use wheelchairs and who require assistance with wheelchair use may have low wheelchair-use confidence. The same is true for individuals who have no formal wheelchair-use training, who are in need of a seating intervention, and who report few hours of daily wheelchair use. These wheelchair users may require clinical attention and benefit from intervention.
Authors: Brodie M Sakakibara; William C Miller; Janice J Eng; Catherine L Backman; François Routhier Journal: Arch Phys Med Rehabil Date: 2012-09-27 Impact factor: 3.966
Authors: Julie J Keysor; Alan M Jette; Michael P LaValley; Cora E Lewis; James C Torner; Michael C Nevitt; Dave T Felson Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2009-12-08 Impact factor: 6.053
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