Article

The aim of this study was to determine whether manoeuvrability varied
between electric wheelchairs. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, repeated measures
design. SUBJECTS: Twelve wheelchair users. METHODS: Three different electric
powered indoor / outdoor wheelchairs (Invacare Storm 3, Ottobock B500, and Meyra
Champ) intended for use by patients with severe impairments were tested over an
indoor and an outdoor circuit. Points were assigned when the users touched the
circuit boundaries or failed to pass obstacles. The users completed the Quebec
User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology questionnaire (QUEST).
RESULTS: Performance was significantly worse with Ottobock B500 compared with the
other 2 wheelchairs on the indoor test (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05 for both comparisons)
and compared with Invacare Storm on the outdoor test (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05). The
mean 6-item QUEST score, effectiveness, and simplicity of use were significantly
worse for Ottobock B500 than for the other 2 wheelchairs (Wilcoxon, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Differences in manoeuvrability exist between commercially available
electric wheelchairs belonging to the same category.
Driving tests and QUEST
provide complementary and concordant information.

Langue : ANGLAIS