Comparison between a tilt-in-space wheelchair and a manual wheelchair equipped with a new rear anti-tip device from the perspective of the caregiver

Objective: To test the hypothesis that, in comparison with a commercially available tilt-in-space wheelchair, a lightweight manual wheelchair equipped with a new, rear anti-tip device (Arc-RAD) provides caregivers with improved wheelchair-handling performance, less exertion, and greater satisfaction. Design: Within-participant comparisons. Setting: Rehabilitation center. Participants: Able-bodied participants (n=19) simulating caregivers and simulating wheelchair users (n=7). Intervention: Caregiver participants were trained (50-75rnin) in wheelchair-handling skills. Main Outcome Measures: Each participant was tested in both wheelchairs, in random order. To evaluate wheelchair-handling skills, we used the total percentage score on the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST), version 3.2. For exertion, we used a Visual analog scale (in percent). For satisfaction, we used the Quebec Users' Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST; range of values, 8-40), version 2. Results: Mean percentage WST scores +/- SD for the Arc-RAD and tilt-in-space wheelchairs were 95.9% +/- 4.2%, and 91.9% +/- 4.8%, respectively (P=.008). The mean perceived exertions during Arc-RAD and tilt-in-space wheelchair use were 26.1% +/- 20.4% and 46.6% +/- 23.2% (P=.003). The mean total QUEST satisfaction scores for the Arc-RAD and tilt-in-space wheelchairs were 3.5.1 +/- 3.8 and 28.4 +/- 4.7 (P=.002). Conclusions: In comparison with the larger and heavier tilt-in-space wheelchair, a lightweight manual wheelchair equipped with a new rear anti-tip design allows 4.4% better wheelchair-handling, performance, 44% less exertion, and 23.6% greater wheelchair satisfaction.