Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
07:20
Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
Wheelchair skills training programme for children: a pilot study
Bonita Sawatzky1, Paula W Rushton, Ian Denison
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. bonitas@interchange.ubc.ca
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
|January 26, 2012
Summary
A two-day wheelchair skills program improved skills for children with spinal cord injuries or spina bifida. While participation didn't change, participants reported doing more with less pain and fatigue.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Assistive Technology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Wheelchair skills training is often not provided to children upon receiving a new wheelchair.
- This gap can limit functional independence and participation in daily activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified two-day Wheelchair Skills Programme (WSP) 3.2 for pediatric wheelchair users.
- To assess the impact of the WSP on skill acquisition, participation, and qualitative outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective pilot study involving six children (ages 6-19) with spinal cord injuries or spina bifida.
- Participants completed a two-day WSP 3.2, with pre- and post-training assessments using the Wheelchair Skills Test 3.2.
- Participation was measured using the Activity Skills for Kids, and qualitative feedback was gathered via an Impact Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- A significant 14% improvement in wheelchair skills was observed post-training (Wheelchair Skills Test 3.2).
- No significant changes in participation levels were detected using the Activity Skills for Kids.
- Qualitative data indicated that participants experienced increased capacity for activities with reduced pain and fatigue.
Conclusions:
- A short-term, two-day modified Wheelchair Skills Programme demonstrates potential for enhancing wheelchair proficiency in children with spinal cord injuries or spina bifida.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and broader participation outcomes.
