Measurement of ADLs in two different wheelchairs

This was a controlled same subject study that compared motor and process skills of a group of users in a standard dual handrim Action 3 wheelchair to the same skills performed in the NUW when performing two different ADLs.

All participants were right handed and met the inclusion criteria for using the wheelchair. In all, 19 females and 1 male with simulated left side weakness participated.

This pilot study measured efficiency of ADLs in users propelling both a standard dual handrim Action 3 wheelchair and in a novel self-propelled wheelchair called the NUW. Efficiency, in terms of quality ADL performance was measured using AMPS and it was also measured through speed of undertaking the activities and changes in heart rate. The mean AMPS scores for the motor and process skills were not statistically significant in participants using the NUW. However, the time taken to complete the tasks was significantly quicker in the NUW and heart rate was also lower with no reduction in quality of motor or process skills performance. The heart rate and time taken results suggest that participants in the NUW undertook the activities more quickly and in the table laying the participants were more ergonomically efficient.