Mobility device quality impacts participation outcomes among people with disabilities: A structural equation modeling analysis

Publication date: Available online 5 August 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Susan Magasi, Alex W.K. Wong, Ana Miskovic, David Tulsky, Allen W. Heinemann
ObjectiveTo test the effect that indicators of mobility device quality have on participation outcomes among community dwelling adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI), traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and stroke using structural equation modeling.DesignSurvey, cross-sectional study, and model testing.SettingClinical research space at 2 academic medical centers and one free-standing rehabilitation hospital in the Midwestern United States (St. Louis, Ann Arbor, Chicago).ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling adults (mean age= 48 years(SD 14.3)) with SCI, TBI and Stroke (n=250).InterventionsNot applicableMain Outcomes MeasuresThe Mobility Device Impact Scale, PROMIS Social Health (v2.0) questionnaires, including Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities and Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities questionnaires and the 2 Community Participation Indicators' Enfranchisement Scales. Details about device quality (reparability, reliability, ease of maintenance) and device type were also collected.ResultsRespondents used ambulation aids (30%), manual (34%), and power wheelchairs (30%). Indicators of device quality had a moderating association with participation outcomes, with three device quality variables, ease of repairs and maintenance, and device reliability accounting for 20% of the variance in participation. Wheelchair users reported lower participation enfranchisement than persons using ambulation aids.ConclusionMobility device quality plays an important role in participation outcomes. It is critical that people have access to mobility devices and that these devices be reliable.



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