Scherrer Sophie-Anne, Chu Yu Chee Joelle, Vu Nhi, Lu Patrice, Ishack Michelle, Archambault Philippe S
a School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University , Montreal , Quebec , Canada.
b Constance Lethbridge Rehabilitation Centre , Montreal , Quebec , Canada.
Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2018 Jan;13(1):78-86. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1283543. Epub 2017 Mar 2.
Diabetes is a global health concern that can lead to mobility limitations necessitating a wheelchair. However, there are currently no guidelines for wheelchair adjustments tailored to the diabetic population.
To describe relevant manual wheelchair adjustments for adults with diabetes, and to explore how these adjustments apply to populations living in less-resourced countries.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 wheelchair experts from five different countries working with adult with diabetes. Interviews were analyzed using the constant comparison method.
The most frequently mentioned wheelchair adjustments were related to neuropathies, skin integrity, decreased strength and amputations. Air cushions were preferred for managing seat sores. Lightweight wheelchairs could be advantageous for people with decreased strength and endurance. In less-resourced settings, wheelchair adjustment decisions prioritized durability and low maintenance.
The recommendation of lightweight wheelchairs for adults with diabetes may be limited by the lack of adjustment possibilities compared to regular weight wheelchairs. In less-resourced settings, prioritizing durability and low maintenance may limit prevention and management of conditions associated to diabetes.
This study represents a first step towards the development of guidelines for manual wheelchair adjustments specifically tailored to adults with diabetes, in a global health context. Implications of rehabilitation When prescribing manual wheelchairs to persons with diabetes, expert clinicians agree that skin integrity, neuropathies and decreased strength are their primary concerns. Compromises are often necessary when adjusting a wheelchair for a person with diabetes, due to the complexity of their symptoms: same modification can be indicated for one symptom but contraindicated for another. Diabetes prevalence is high in less-resourced settings. There is a need for increased availability of affordable wheelchair equipment that is durable, reliable and adapted to persons with diabetes.
