Power Wheelchair Use in Persons With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Changes Over Time

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to survey persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at 1 and 6 months after receiving power wheelchairs to determine long-term use, comfort, and function as well as the power wheelchair's impact on daily tasks and quality of life. A 33-question survey and Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) were sent 1 month after getting a new power wheelchair; a follow-up survey was sent at 6 months. Based on satisfaction and feature use survey results, at 1 month, 81% of users found the power wheelchair overall comfort to be high, 88% found their overall mobility to be improved, and 95% found it easy to use. Their quality of life increased and pain decreased at 1 and 6 months. According to the PIADS, the power wheelchair gave users increased ability to participate and sense of competence. This study has important results for the ALS community, as it is the first to assess power wheelchair users at 1 and 6 months after power wheelchair procurement. The results demonstrate the impact the power wheelchair has on mobility, psychosocial issues, functional abilities, and quality of life for a person with ALS.

Taking the eye road: A new access method for powered mobility in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

“…8,9 Despite prices reaching $25,000 for chairs including these features, 89% of users reported the PWC was a good value for the cost. 7 In contrast to other populations of PWC users, there were significant changes reported in attendant control over the course of use, due to the diminishing ability of the user to exercise control themselves. As a result, user satisfaction with the joystick interface was one of the features that had the largest drop in favorability over time.…”

“…Other “must haves” included head support, controllable tilt, recline, power‐elevating leg rests, air or gel cushioning, armrests, integration with transport vehicle, and seatbelt . Despite prices reaching $25,000 for chairs including these features, 89% of users reported the PWC was a good value for the cost . In contrast to other populations of PWC users, there were significant changes reported in attendant control over the course of use, due to the diminishing ability of the user to exercise control themselves.…”

“…6 Users of PWCs report better mobility, especially outside of the home, and state that they can go longer distances than before wheelchair use. 7 In a study of 32 PWC users with ALS, roughly 80% were satisfied with the comfort and ease of use when first receiving the chair. Ninety percent of respondents said that the wheelchair contributed to positive quality of life, with broad evidence of psychosocial benefit (competence, adaptability, self-esteem) that was maintained or improved over 6 months.…”

“…Ninety percent of respondents said that the wheelchair contributed to positive quality of life, with broad evidence of psychosocial benefit (competence, adaptability, self-esteem) that was maintained or improved over 6 months. 7 PWC users choose features for their wheelchair based on maneuverability and comfort. 7 Other "must haves" included head support, controllable tilt, recline, power-elevating leg rests, air or gel cushioning, armrests, integration with transport vehicle, and seatbelt.…”

Eye‐controlled, power wheelchair performs well for ALS patients

“…In general, individuals with ALS report satisfaction with power wheelchair systems . Specific wheelchair features that influence patient satisfaction include ergonomic components (e.g., arm and head rests), reclining and tilting capabilities, customizable controls, and controls that allow caregivers to operate wheelchairs .…”