Moving with Power

PURPOSE: To describe the usefulness of a Power Wheelchair Trainer (PWCT) to provide persons with severe impairments an opportunity to explore power mobility. SUBJECTS: Five students ages 7-24 with severe motor impairments were identified as having potential for power mobility, based on poor mobility skills as well as interest in the environment and desire to move. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a pilot study aimed at investigating the use of the PWCT. The PWCT is a motorized platform that temporarily converts a manual chair into a power chair, allowing individuals to practice using power mobility while using custom seating. Formal assessments were completed using the Power Mobility Screen and a modified version of the Pediatric Power Wheelchair Screening Test (PPWST). ANALYSES: Improvement between pre- and post-training assessment scores indicated improvement in potential for, or skill in, using power mobility. RESULTS: Three students significantly improved between pre- and post-training assessment scores: two progressed from poor to fair potential on the Power Mobility Screen, and one improved score on the PPWST by 10%. One student showed slight improvement on the Power Mobility Screen that was insufficient to show significant increase. One student’s scores did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Students with severe motor impairments need customized equipment to allow independent mobility. The provision of customized seating, individualized switch systems, and adequate training time can allow them to demonstrate potential for power mobility. Acknowledgements: Financial support was provided by Grand Valley State University, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Outstate MI, and Mary Free Bed Fund