Manual wheelchair longevity and related factors among spinal cord lesion patients
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Abstract
The wheelchair is an essential mobility tool for paraplegic or tetraplegic patients. Wheelchair longevity and related factors for equipment used by spinal cord lesion patients in Thailand has not been reported. The objectives of the current study were to determine the longevity of manual wheelchairs used by spinal cord lesion patients and related factors. Spinal cord lesion patients who received treatment at the In-and/or Out-patient Rehabilitation Medicine Department of Khon Kaen University were interviewed to learn their demographic data and factors related to wheelchair use. Data were analyzed to determine means, medians, and negative and positive factors related to wheelchair use and the life expectancy of the equipment. Sixty patients were included in the study. The respective mean and median manual wheelchair lifetime values were 4 years and 4 months (52.3 ± 28.7 months) and 4 years. Most participants required their first wheelchair repair within the first two years. Survival analysis revealed that after four years of use, 50% of all wheelchairs were still functioning. A negative factor significantly affecting lifetime was navigating wheelchairs on grass covered areas (p=0.003), while a positive factor was navigating on smooth concrete (p=0.006). Participants who navigated their wheelchairs on grass covered areas had a greater chance of needing early wheelchair replacement.
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References
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