| Author: | Wan, Lee-na |
| Title: | Power wheelchair assessment and training for people with motor impairment |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2010 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Electric wheelchairs -- Evaluation People with disabilities -- Services for -- China -- Hong Kong |
| Department: | School of Nursing |
| Pages: | xiii, 105 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | 1. Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to develop a power wheelchair assessment tool with sound validity, reliability and sensitivity to evaluate the effectiveness of using focused training in power wheelchair prescription. Through this process the power wheelchair users can improve their driving safety and also to protect other people who are sharing the same environment. 2. Methodology: There were 2 phases in this study. In the power wheelchair assessment development phase, the content of the power wheelchair assessment was validated by an expert panel. Forty subjects with motor impairment were recruited for testing their power wheelchair driving ability. The construct validity was determined through the correlation between the visual perceptual and cognitive abilities of the subjects. Four raters were recruited for testing the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the assessment tool. Sensitivity of the assessment was assessed through the comparison of the scores of power wheelchair users with different experience. In the training phase, four subjects who were inexperienced power wheelchair users were recruited. Power wheelchair performance training on those assessed items having low performance scores was provided in 8 individual therapy sessions (two times per week). 3. Results: A power wheelchair assessment tool was validated by an expert panel consisted of occupational therapists, physiotherapist and community power wheelchair users. Seventeen assessment items were included in this assessment tool. In the construct validity, the analyses showed that the total percentage scores of the community and experienced power wheelchair users had moderate correlation with the visual perceptual (MVPT-3, (rs = 0.484, 0.539, p ≤ 0.05)), and the cognitive scores (CMMSE (rs = 0.552, p ≤ 0.05) and (the communication and social cognitive function scores in FIM (rs = 0.384 to 0.739, p ≤ 0.05)). The inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.800) and intra-rater reliability (ICC > 0.950) of the assessment tool were good. The assessment was sensitive to power wheelchair users with different driving experience (p < 0.05). The results showed that power wheelchair users were poor in driving in congested areas and performing parallel parking. In phase two, the inexperienced power wheelchair users showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in their power wheelchair driving skills after the training. 4. Conclusion: Focused power wheelchair driving training determined by a structured assessment can improve the effectiveness of individual in driving power wheelchair. Safe use of power wheelchair can facilitate the integration of individuals with mobility back to the society. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b23526737.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.05 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/5632