Article

Mobility is important for participation in daily activities and a power
wheelchair (PW) can improve quality of life of individuals with mobility
impairments. A virtual reality simulator may be helpful in complementing PW
skills training, which is generally seen as insufficient by both clinicians and
PW users. To this end, specific, ecologically valid activities, such as entering
an elevator and navigating through a shopping mall crowd, have been added to the
McGill wheelchair (miWe) simulator through a user-centred approach. PURPOSE: The
objective of this study was to validate the choice of simulated activities in a
group of newly trained PW users. METHODS: We recruited 17 new PW users, who
practiced with the miWe simulator at home for two weeks. They then related their
experience through the Short Feedback Questionnaire, the perceived Ease of Use
Questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Participants in general
greatly appreciated their experience with the simulator. During the interviews,
this group made similar comments about the activities as our previous group of
expert PW users had done. They also insisted on the importance of realism in the
miWe activities, for their use in training. DISCUSSION: A PW simulator may be
helpful if it supports the practice of activities in specific contexts (such as a
bathroom or supermarket), to complement the basic skills training received in the
clinic (such as driving forward, backward, turning, and avoiding obstacles).
Implications for Rehabilitation New power wheelchair users appreciate practicing
on a virtual reality simulator and find the experience useful when the simulated
diving activities are realistic and ecologically valid. User-centred development
can lead to simulated power wheelchair activities that adequately capture
everyday driving challenges experienced in various environmental contexts.

Langue : ANGLAIS