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Wheelchair curb climbing: randomized controlled comparison of highly structured and conventional training methods
R Lee Kirby1, Sean Bennett, Cher Smith
1Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. kirby@dal.ca
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|November 4, 2008
Summary
A structured wheelchair curb-climbing training method showed a trend toward reducing training time by over 50% compared to conventional methods. Success rates and perceived difficulty remained similar between groups.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation science
- Biomechanics
- Assistive technology training
Background:
- Wheelchair curb-climbing is a crucial mobility skill.
- Conventional training methods may be time-intensive.
- Optimizing training efficiency is important for rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the training time of a highly structured versus conventional wheelchair curb-climbing method.
- To evaluate the impact on success rate, need for assistance, and perceived difficulty.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with able-bodied participants (N=16).
- Intervention group (n=7) used an 18-step approach with enhanced structured training.
- Control group (n=9) used a 9-step conventional approach.
- Training included instruction, practice, feedback, and demonstrations.
Main Results:
- The structured method trended towards requiring less training time (42.5 min vs. 87.4 min, P=.084).
- No significant differences in curb-climbing success rates (86% vs. 89%, P=1.000).
- No significant differences in spotter interventions or perceived difficulty.
Conclusions:
- A highly structured training method may reduce wheelchair curb-climbing training time.
- The structured approach shows potential for clinical application in rehabilitation.
- Further research may confirm the statistical significance of time savings.
