Citation

de Groot S, Post MW, Bongers-Janssen HMH, Bloemen-Vrencken JH, van der Woude LH. Spinal Cord 2011; 49(4): 560-565.

Affiliation

Duyvensz-Nagel Research Laboratory, Rehabilitation Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Centre for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, International Spinal Cord Society, Publisher Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1038/sc.2010.150

PMID

21042333

Abstract

Study design:Cross-sectional study.Objectives:To describe the satisfaction of the manual wheelchair user with hand rim wheelchair-related aspects (for example, dimensions, weight and comfort) and wheelchair service-related aspects and to determine the relationship between wheelchair users' satisfaction, personal and lesion characteristics, and active lifestyle and participation in persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI).Setting:Eight Dutch rehabilitation centers with a specialized SCI unit.Methods:The Dutch version of the Quebec user evaluation of satisfaction with assistive technology (D-QUEST) was filled out by 109 participants 1 year after discharge from inpatient SCI rehabilitation. Relationships between the D-QUEST scores and personal and lesion characteristics, and active lifestyle and participation (physical activity scale for individuals with physical disabilities (PASIPD), Utrecht activity list (UAL), mobility range and social behavior subscales of the SIP68 (SIPSOC)) were determined.Results:A high level of satisfaction was found with wheelchair-related aspects. The participants were less satisfied with the service-related aspects. Participants with an incomplete lesion were slightly more satisfied regarding both aspects than those with a complete lesion. A higher satisfaction regarding wheelchair dimensions and a higher overall satisfaction were related to a more active lifestyle. Persons who were more satisfied with the simplicity of use of the wheelchair had a better participation score.Conclusion:Dutch persons with SCI are in general quite satisfied with their hand rim wheelchair. Some aspects of the wheelchair (dimensions and simplicity of use) are important to optimize as these are related to an active lifestyle and participation.

Language: en