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Factors in functional assessment.
1Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, Fisherville, VA.
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. Clinical Supplement
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Wheelchair recommendations address user needs by compensating for functional loss, promoting health, and optimizing mobility. Assessments consider medical, physical, and personal factors to enhance daily life and environmental interaction.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Engineering
- Assistive Technology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Wheelchair users have diverse needs impacting daily activities.
- Effective wheelchair prescription requires a holistic assessment approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize individualized needs for wheelchair users.
- To outline general goals for wheelchair recommendation processes.
Main Methods:
- Medical profile assessment including functional compensation and health promotion.
- Physical assessment focusing on seating, posture, and deformity accommodation.
- Personal profile assessment covering user goals, social history, and functional abilities.
- Environmental impact assessment on mobility in various settings.
Main Results:
- Goals include compensating for function loss, preventing health issues, and maintaining posture.
- Personal goals focus on minimizing mobility limitations in education, work, social, and communication domains.
- Functional abilities aim to optimize user performance in mobility and transfers, and assist caregivers with dependent mobility.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive assessment is crucial for effective wheelchair selection.
- Wheelchair prescription should address medical, physical, personal, and environmental factors.
- Optimizing wheelchair use enhances user independence, participation, and quality of life.