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This pilot study was designed to measure the effects of individually prescribed wheelchair systems on posture and reach, mobility, quality of life, and satisfaction with technology for residents of long-term care facilities. Thirty persons 60 years of age or older who resided permanently in a long-term care facility and who used seating and mobility systems for 6 hours or more each day were recruited for this project. Outcomes included timed independent mobility, forward and lateral reach, quality of life, and satisfaction with assistive technology. The study used semicrossover design with participants measured three times. Measurements were first made in the existing seating and mobility system and a second time immediately after participants were provided with individually prescribed seating and mobility systems. The final measurement was 3 months after the delivery of the individually prescribed system. Results indicated that individually fitted wheelchair systems for elderly residents of long-term care facilities are beneficial. Participants had less difficulty independently propelling their systems and increased forward reach, quality of life for social function and physical role, and satisfaction with the new wheelchair technology. Persons residing in extended care facilities benefit from receiving individually prescribed wheelchair systems. The individual systems enhance elderly persons' independent mobility, functional reach, feeling of well-being, and satisfaction with their assistive technology.

A definitive randomized control multicenter cushion trial is feasible with a sample size of 50 to 100 per study group. In the definitive trial, the definition of sitting-acquired pressure ulcers should be limited to lesions occurring over the ischial tuberosities.

The items on the FEW focus on the interaction between the consumer, the technology, and the milieu. Consumers viewed the overall importance of FEW categories for seating-mobility system users differently than when they self-administered the FEW.

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