Date: Monday, March 20, 2023
Category: General Session
Ultrasonic trilateration for clinical measurement of seated posture during wheelchair seating and positioning assessment
Primary author: Madeline Blankenship, University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus
Abstract: An improperly fitted wheelchair seating system increases the risk of injury for the user and limits comfort. Clinicians use anatomical landmarks and tools such as goniometers and inclinometers to take measurements of wheelchair users’ posture to prescribe appropriately fitted seating systems and evaluate change over time. A digital measurement tool has the potential to reduce clinician documentation time, develop standardization, and improve measurement accuracy. Here we tested the parameters of a 3D array of low-cost ultrasonic sensors to determine if they would be appropriate to use in the development of a digital measurement tool for the assessment of seated posture. Because errors increased with the actual distance to be measured at amounts that would be clinically relevant, we determined that the proposed selected ultrasonic sensors have limited functionality for designing a wheelchair seating and positioning measurement.
We are the best to tell you what to improve! Users’ perceptions about innovative resources to promote evidence-based manual wheelchair skills training in pediatric rehabilitation settings: a descriptive qualitative study
Primary author: Beatrice Ouellet, Laval University
Abstract: Background. The Wheelchair Skills Training Program (WSTP) positively influences pediatric manual wheelchair users’ (PMWUs) mobility but is underutilized in pediatric rehabilitation settings. Occupational therapists (OTs) perceived the voluminous manual, which lacks guidance on how to train the skills with PMWUs, and the absence of pediatric-friendly training materials as barriers limiting the use of the WSTP. Three sets of WSTP knowledge transfer resources, including storybooks, posters and training workbooks, were created to address these barriers. Objective. Explore occupational therapists’ (OTs) and PMWUs' perceived satisfaction with the 3 sets of resources and these users’ perceptions regarding their usability, relevance, and feasibility in pediatrics. Methods. A descriptive qualitative design was used. Convenient and purposive samples of OTs and PMWUs were recruited from a pediatric rehabilitation center and its affiliated schools. Two 90-minute focus groups (OTs) and 60-minute interviews (PMWUs) were conducted online to document participants’ perspectives on the 3 sets of resources. Data were deductively analyzed using the Framework method. Results. Eight OTs participated in the first focus group and 6 in the second. Eleven PMWUs participated in the interviews to share their perceptions about one or several sets of resources. OTs and PMWUs were satisfied with the 3 sets of resources describing them as playful (usability), easy to use (usability) and helpful (relevance) for training younger and novice PMWUs. OTs perceived they may save time (feasibility) in preparing their interventions when using the resources. OTs and PMWUs provided suggestions for improvement (e.g., skill gets over obstacles: break down the “pop step” into sub-steps). Conclusions. OTs and PMWUs perceived the 3 sets of resources have a great potential to enhance the use of the WSTP in pediatrics. Future efforts may involve creating resources for experienced and adolescent PMWUs.
Exploring the World on Wheels: A Geospatial Comparison of Two Pediatric Mobility Devices
Primary author: Mia E. Hoffman
Abstract: Powered mobility devices can assist young children with disabilities in their self-initiated exploration of the world, which is fundamental to their development. At present, no study has quantified a child and family’s usage of different powered mobility devices for young children with disabilities in their home and community setting. Hence, we have quantified 8 children’s (1M:7F, GMFCS II-V) use of both an Explorer Mini (EM) and an adapted ride-on car (ROC) during two 8-week loans. We hypothesized that families would use the EM more than the ROC and take it to more unique locations. A geospatial data logger was mounted to each device, from which we measured the number and duration of each driving bout, the distance driven, and the location where the device was used at. We found that families’ usage of both devices was comparable. Participants completed slightly more bouts with the EM than the ROC, with a total of 558 movement bouts with the EM compared to 235 with the ROC. The duration of a movement bout was similar with both devices (EM: 23.16 min, ROC: 23.75 min). Geospatial analyses revealed that participants drove a similar distance with both devices during each bout (EM: 164 m, ROC: 166 m). Children primarily drove both devices very close to their homes. Four of the eight families brought either their EM or ROC with them to another location (2 EM: 3 ROC), and three of the children used their device at more than one location (2 EM: 1 ROC). We showed that a family will use any early powered mobility device that is available to them, and early access to a powered mobility device is crucial for the child’s independent exploration of their home and community environment.