OBJECTIVES-To evaluate the relationship among the measures in a power wheelchair outcomes toolkit.
DESIGN-We performed path analysis of cross-sectional data from self-report questionnaires and one objective measure.
SETTING-Data were collected in six Canadian sites.PARTICIPANTS-A convenience sample of 128 power wheelchair users. The majority, 69 (53.9%), were female. Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury/disease were the most common diagnoses. RESULTS-Wheelchair confidence was independently associated with less difficulty with activity (β =0.08, 0.010.05) and participation (β=0.39, p<0.01), increased life space (β=0.09, p<0.03) and greater wheelchair skills (β=0.37, p<0.01) Less perceived difficulty with activity was independently associated with increased frequency of participation (β=0.30, p<0.01). Life space mobility was independently associated with increased frequency of participation ((β=0.31, p<0.01). Less difficulty with participation was independently associated with greater life-space mobility (β=0.32, p<0.01) and greater frequency of participation (β=0.13, p<0.01).
INTERVENTIONS-NotCONCLUSION-This study provides empirical support for the measures included as part of the power wheelchair outcomes toolkit. They appear to provide complementary information on a variety of constructs related to power wheelchair use.