Mobility of wheelchair users: a proposed performance assessment framework

Few standardized outcome measures used in the clinical assessment of wheelchair user performance assess or document all the factors that influence mobility. This article presents a conceptual framework that suggests a more all-encompassing view of wheelchair mobility performance assessment.

After determining, through a survey of the literature, which factors influence wheelchair mobility, a conceptual framework was proposed. Outcome measures of wheelchair mobility were then surveyed. An analysis of these assessment tools allowed factors to be determined that were considered in the clinical assessment of wheelchair mobility performance. A comparison of these led to observations being drawn, which could allow the development of a valid and reliable standardized outcome measure to be used in clinics.

Future improvements to the clinical assessment of wheelchair mobility performance should focus on developing an assessment tool considering all categories of factors influencing wheelchair mobility. These categories are the user's profile, the wheelchair, the environment, the daily activities and social roles and the assessment and training received. A controlled-environment outcome measure using a standardized obstacle course with fundamental situations would allow rehabilitation therapists to evaluate clients for the selection of a wheelchair and to document their progress during training. This tool should make it possible to extrapolate the results and thereby apply them to daily activities and social roles.