PURPOSE

To evaluate the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and responsiveness of the Wheelchair Skills Test - Questionnaire (WST-Q) Version 4.1 for powered wheelchair users.

METHODS

A volunteer sample of 72 community-dwelling, experienced powered wheelchair users, ranging in age from 50 to 77 years, participated in this study. Participants completed measures at baseline and 1 month later.

RESULTS

Mean ± standard deviation total percentage WST-Q scores at baseline and 1 month were 83.7% ± 10.9 and 86.3% ± 10.0 respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.90 and the 1 month test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC1,1) was 0.78 (confidence interval: 0.68-0.86). There were no floor or ceiling effects. Percentages of agreement between baseline and 1 month for individual skills ranged from 72.2% to 100%. The correlations between the WST-Q and the objective Wheelchair Skills Test (WST), WheelCon and Life Space Assessment were r = 0.65, r = 0.47 and r = 0.47 respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest real difference (SRD) were 5.0 and 6.2 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The WST-Q 4.1 has high internal consistency, strong test-retest reliability and strong support for concurrent validity and responsiveness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

There is evidence of reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Wheelchair Skills Test - Questionnaire (WST-Q) among experienced older adult powered wheelchair users. The WST-Q can be used to measure powered wheelchair skills, guide intervention and measure change over time.