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 (50-75 min) 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 35.1+/-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.