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Powered tilt/recline systems: why and how are they used?
Michèle Lacoste1, Rhoda Weiss-Lambrou, Magali Allard
1Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Industrial Research Chair on Wheelchair Seating Aids, Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, Montréal Quebec, Canada.
Assistive Technology : the Official Journal of RESNA
|February 6, 2004
Summary
Powered tilt and recline systems are frequently used daily by individuals, with most users reporting high satisfaction. Key benefits include increased comfort and improved rest, highlighting their importance in assistive technology.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Assistive Technology
- Clinical User Studies
Background:
- Prolonged static sitting causes discomfort, pain, pressure sores, spinal issues, and functional decline.
- Adjustable tilt and recline systems are prescribed to mitigate these adverse effects.
- Understanding user satisfaction and usage patterns is crucial given current healthcare service delivery contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the utilization and user satisfaction of powered tilt and recline systems.
- To identify primary objectives and usage patterns for these assistive devices.
- To provide data for informed selection of assistive technology.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving 40 subjects interviewed at home.
- Subjects identified and ranked 25 objectives for using their repositioning system.
- Data collected on frequency, range of use, and satisfaction levels for each objective.
Main Results:
- 97.5% of subjects used their powered tilt and recline system daily.
- High user satisfaction was reported across the surveyed population.
- Primary reported objectives were enhancing comfort and promoting rest.
Conclusions:
- Powered tilt and recline systems are integral to daily living for users, with high satisfaction levels.
- Comfort and rest are the predominant reasons for utilizing these assistive technologies.
- Findings offer valuable clinical insights for selecting appropriate assistive devices, particularly wheelchairs.