Adaptation Planning Guideline and Constrained Outline for Shower Chairs and other Four-Caster Vehicles

Abstract

Introduction: No research-based guidelines for adaptation planning for shower chairs and other vehicles with four casters exist, despite the manual handling nature of the manoeuvring task and the occupational therapy responsibility to plan for such vehicles. Method: It was determined from theory that changes in direction for these vehicles, such as from a passageway through a door, could be represented by 13 manoeuvres. Participants (n = 17) carried out 11 (maximum) manoeuvres based on this theory, each with the maximum comfortable occupant weight of their choice (weights represented the occupant). Findings: The maximum occupant weight selected as comfortable varied substantially between some of the 11 manoeuvres: there was a 100% difference between the lowest and highest weight selections. This indicated that four-caster vehicles (such as shower chairs) should not be treated as omni-directional for high occupant weights, or for floor materials with high motion resistance, because the manoeuvre direction substantially affects maximum comfortable weight selection. Conclusion: The manoeuvre with the highest weight selection is proposed as a guideline when manual handling concerns exist for these vehicles. The guideline can be modified for individual vehicles sizes, occupant and carer anatomy.

Usability of mobile shower commodes for adults with spinal cord injury

“…First, the study did not seek the view of paid or unpaid caregivers providing assistance to adults with SCI. Caregivers are considered users of MSCs, and may have different perceptions of MSC features and performance that impact usability (Abraham et al., 2013; Friesen et al., 2015c). Future studies should include this important user group.…”

“…Skin breakdown and pressure injuries, which are common complications of SCI (Middleton et al., 2008), are associated with MSC use (Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, 1998; Friesen et al., 2015c; Nelson et al., 1993). Propelling and manoeuvring MSCs across different flooring surfaces is a potential manual handling hazard to both MSC users, and caregivers providing assistance (Abraham et al., 2013; Friesen et al., 2015c; Malassigné et al., 1993; Nelson et al., 1993). Dissatisfaction with, and non-use of, MSCs is reported in Australia and internationally (Friesen et al., 2015c; Harvey et al., 2012; Nelson et al., 1993).…”

A best space for assisted wheelchair users

“…Recent studies of space requirements have been made (Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access, 2010) and while these provide guidance when there are multiple, different and unknown wheelchair users, thus applicable to public buildings or new build schemes, occupational therapists in adaptations services require tools that assist recommendations for specific individuals. Assisted four-caster chair users have received recent attention (Abraham et al., 2013), but results are not applicable to assisted wheelchair users. Difficulties assisting wheelchair users in confined spaces were noted some time ago (Frank and Abel, 1989) and assisted wheelchair manoeuvring has been proposed for research (van der Woude et al., 1995), but no published results exist to guide occupational therapists in individual manual-handling sensitive specifications: perhaps because researching the multiplicity of possible manoeuvres is considered difficult (Abel and Frank, 1991).…”

"It's more than just a wheelchair that gets wet …": Usability of mobile shower commodes for adults with spinal cord injury

“…First, the study did not seek the view of paid or unpaid caregivers providing assistance to adults with SCI. Caregivers are considered users of MSCs, and may have different perceptions of MSC features and performance that impact usability (Abraham et al, 2013;Friesen, Theodoros, et al, 2015c). Future studies should include this important user group.…”

“…Skin breakdown and pressure injuries, which are common complications of SCI , are associated with MSC use (Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, 1998;Friesen, Theodoros, et al, 2015c;Nelson et al, 1993). Propelling and manoeuvring MSCs across different flooring surfaces is a potential manual handling hazard to both MSC users, and caregivers providing assistance (Abraham, Davidson, & Johnson, 2013;Friesen, Theodoros, et al, 2015c;Nelson et al, 1993). Dissatisfaction with, and non-use of, MSCs is reported in Australia and internationally Harvey et al, 2012;Nelson et al, 1993).…”