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J. Sutaria1, A. Bhise2, Y. Shukla2
1Government Physiotherapy College and Government Spine Institute, Civil Hospital, Gujarat University, Physiotherapy, Ahmedabad, India, 2Government Physiotherapy College and Government Spine Institute, Civil Hospital, Physiotherapy, Ahmedabad, India
Background: It is important to realize the benefit of a proper wheelchair prescription to meet the patient’s comfort, mobility needs and also to provide a quality wheelchair that will last with minimum repairs. Active folding wheelchair is an appropriate wheelchair made with patient specific measurements, soft cushions and adjustable parts.
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to see which of the two wheelchairs gives a better functional capacity in spinal cord injury patients.
Methods: The study was done in Government Spine Institute, Ahmedabad, India. Patients who fit into the inclusion criteria were selected and informed written consent was taken. The functional capacity was measured with 6-minute push test (6MPT). Total 30 patients with spinal cord injury level below D6 and ASIA scale A and B were recruited for the study. 6-minute push test was taken first for standard wheelchair in 1st week and then with active folding wheelchair in next week.
Results: As the data was normally distributed, single group t-test was used. Difference in functional capacity was highly significant (p<0.001) between both type of wheelchair.
Conclusion(s): Active folding wheelchair provides better functional capacity than standard wheelchair in paraplegics.
Implications: Active folding wheelchair can be prescribed to the patients with paraplegia as it is more efficient as compared to standard wheelchair which is usually used. Active folding wheelchair is easier to propel on rough surface and has a better durability for community dwelling patients, so can be prescribed.
Funding, acknowledgements: No funding and would like to thank patients of Government Spine Institute, Civil hospital, Ahmedabad.
Keywords: Active folding wheelchair, Standard wheelchair, 6 minute push test
Topic: Neurology: spinal cord injury
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Government Physiotherapy College and Spine Institute, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad.
Committee: The Institutional Ethics Committee, B.J. Medical College & Civil Hospital
Ethics number: GSIIESC/10/18
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
