05-13-2025 at 4:00 pm ET
.1 CEU
Speakers: Lindsey L. Sharpe PT, DPT, ATP, Lois Brown MPT, ATP/SMS
Level: Intermediate
Clinicians and ATPs often find themselves at a loss when trialing a powered wheelchair in hopes of increasing a client’s functional independence – they have tried “everything”, yet the client continues to struggle with safety, confidence, and proficient driving. Simpson et al. state “powered wheelchairs require cognitive and physical skills that not all individuals possess…between 10 and40 percent of clients who desired powered mobility could not be fitted with powered wheelchairs because sensory impairments, poor motor function, or cognitive deficits made driving safely impossible with any of the existing controls” in The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (2008). When assessing existing powered wheelchair users, Onyango et al. observed “about 40% of users struggle to steer the standard powered wheelchair with ordinary user interfaces” in their publication in Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience (2016).
Frequently, this results in clients being placed in dependent-based mobility solutions – a manual wheelchair, a manual tilt-in-space, or an attendant control on a powered wheelchair. As clinicians and ATPs, we know the numerous benefits of self-generated mobility and that the value of functional independence is immeasurable.
In adults, independent powered mobility device use is “associated with an increased frequency of grocery shopping and going for ‘walks’, and an increased frequency of IADLs, such as going to a restaurant, posting letters, going to the bank, and visiting family and friends”. In children, independent powered mobility device use “contributed to the development of cognitive and play skills while increasing independence and social interactions” (Pellichero, A., et al. (2021). Relationships between cognitive functioning and powered mobility device use: A scoping review. Int J of Environmental Research and Public Health).
Independent mobility “increases vocational and educational opportunities, reduces dependence on caregivers and family members, and promotes feelings of self-reliance. Reductions in functional mobility are linked with reduced participation and loss of social connections…decreases in mobility can lead to feelings of emotional loss, reduced self-esteem, isolation, stress, and fear of abandonment” (Simpson R., et al. (2008). How many people would benefit from a smart wheelchair? J of Rehabilitation Research and Development).
In this course, we will explore the continuum of available options that clinicians and ATPs can implement to improve the independence of their clients and provide access to safe and proficient powered wheelchair driving. Working through a checklist, we will examine least to most complex solutions, i.e., ensuring proper positioning to optimize function, introducing tracking technology, evaluating programming solutions, completing Dr. Kirby’s wheelchair skills training program, exploring alternative drive controls, and considering the addition of a SMART technology solution.
Learning Outcomes:
- List 2 research articles establishing the importance of access to self-generated mobility.
- List 3 objective measures that can be utilized in PWC driving assessments.
- List 3 potential interventions when your client is struggling to drive a powered wheelchair.
