Exploratory Validation of a Multidimensional Power Wheelchair Outcomes Toolkit.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relation among the measures in a power wheelchair outcomes toolkit.

DESIGN

We performed path analysis of cross-sectional data from self-report questionnaires and 1 objective measure.

SETTING

Six sites.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of power wheelchair users (N=128). Most (n=69; 53.9%) participants were women. Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury/disease were the most common diagnoses.

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The power wheelchair version of the Wheelchair Skills Test version 4.1 was used to carry out an objective evaluation of capacity to perform 32 wheelchair skills. The Late-Life Disability Index measured frequency of participation in 16 life activities. The Life-Space Assessment measured independence, extent, and frequency of mobility. The Assistive Technology Outcomes Profile for Mobility was used to assess perceived difficulty performing activity and participation using assistive technology. The Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for powered wheelchair users captured users' self-efficacy with wheelchair use.

RESULTS

Wheelchair confidence was independently associated with less difficulty with activity (β=.028, P=.002) and participation (β=.225, P<.001), increased life space (β=.095, P<.003), and greater wheelchair skills (β=.30, P<.001). Less perceived difficulty with activity was independently associated with increased frequency of participation (β=.55, P<.001). Life-space mobility was independently associated with increased frequency of participation (β=.167, P<.001). Less difficulty with participation was independently associated with greater life-space mobility (β=.59, P<.001) and greater frequency of participation (β=.13, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides empirical support for the measures included as part of the power wheelchair outcomes toolkit. They appear to provide complementary information on a variety of constructs related to power wheelchair use.