Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA.
Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2010 Mar;89(3):225-34. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181c9d7df.
To assess wheelchair users' perceptions of and experiences with power assist wheels using qualitative interview methods.
Qualitative evaluations were conducted in a laboratory setting with a focus on users' experiences using power assist wheel in their naturalistic environments. Participants consisted of seven women and 13 men (M(age) = 42.75, SD = 14.68) that included one African American, one Hispanic, 17 whites, and one individual from Zambia. Qualitative interviews were conducted before, during, and after use of a power assist wheel. Main outcome measures included the wheelchair users' evaluations and experiences related to the use of power assist wheels.
The primary evaluations included wheeling on challenging terrains, performance of novel activities, social/family aspects, fatigue, and pain. These descriptions indicated that most participants perceived positive experiences with the power assist wheels, including access to new and different activities. Secondary evaluations indicated that the unit was cumbersome and prohibitive for some participants because of difficulties with transport in and out of a vehicle and battery life. Most participants felt that power assist wheels provided more independence and social opportunities.
The power assist wheel seems to offer physical and social benefits for most wheelers. Clinicians should consider users' home environment and overall life circumstances before prescribing.
使用定性访谈方法评估轮椅使用者对动力辅助轮椅的看法和体验。
在实验室环境中进行定性评估，重点关注使用者在自然环境中使用动力辅助轮椅的体验。参与者包括 7 名女性和 13 名男性（M（年龄）=42.75，SD=14.68），其中包括 1 名非裔美国人、1 名西班牙裔、17 名白人，以及 1 名来自赞比亚的人。在使用动力辅助轮椅之前、期间和之后进行定性访谈。主要观察指标包括轮椅使用者对使用动力辅助轮椅的评估和体验。
主要评估包括在具有挑战性的地形上行驶、进行新的活动、社会/家庭方面、疲劳和疼痛。这些描述表明，大多数参与者对动力辅助轮椅的体验持积极态度，包括能够进行新的和不同的活动。次要评估表明，对于一些参与者来说，该设备由于在车辆内外运输和电池寿命方面的困难而显得笨重且不便。大多数参与者认为动力辅助轮椅提供了更多的独立性和社交机会。
动力辅助轮椅似乎为大多数使用者提供了身体和社会上的益处。临床医生在开处方前应考虑使用者的家庭环境和整体生活情况。
