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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Determining and Controlling External Power Output During Regular Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion
Published on: February 5, 2020
Experiences with using a pushrim-activated power-assisted wheelchair for community-based occupations: a qualitative
Ed M Giesbrecht1, Jacquie D Ripat, Juliette E Cooper
1Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Manitoba, 771 McDermot Avenue, Room R214, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E OT6. giesbre3@cc.umanitoba.ca
Background:
Occupational therapists strive to engage individuals in occupation and enhance community access through wheelchair prescription. Previous research with pushrim-activated, power-assisted wheelchairs identifies a reduction in the physical demands of manual wheelchair propulsion but limited evidence exists regarding user evaluation in context.
Purpose:
This study explored the experience of using a power-assisted wheelchair in the community.
Methods:
Eight individuals who used both a power and manual device participated in focus groups after trialing a power-assist wheelchair for three weeks. Data were analyzed using a qualitative description approach.
Findings:
Three themes emerged from our analysis: relative advantages and disadvantages; environmental factors that affect accessibility; and evaluation of mobility device.
Implications:
Participants perceived the power-assist as improving performance and accessibility compared with the manual wheelchair, increasing the potential scope of occupations and environments, but not replacing their power mobility device. Sufficient time for adjustment of both user and device was important.
