A survey of marginal wheelchair users

Significant numbers of wheelchair users experience difficulties with propulsion due to impaired upper limb function (termed marginal users for this study). A survey of wheelchair users in Tayside, Scotland, was carried out to identify and describe the marginal user population and their propulsion difficulties. Subjects for the survey were identified from the records of National Health Service wheelchair users at Dundee Limb Fitting Centre. Subjects were interviewed at home about their wheelchair-propelling experiences. Survey results indicated that marginal users represent approximately 15% of the occupant-propelled wheelchair population. The average age of the marginal users surveyed was 48 years and the modal diagnosis was multiple sclerosis. Fifty-nine percent of the marginal users questioned felt that their wheelchairs were not adequate for their requirements.