Wheelchair User’s Satisfaction and its Impact on Physical Activity and Quality of Life in People with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors rely greatly on assistive devices, spending around 9–11 hours daily in a wheelchair. It can act both as a barrier and facilitator, positively impacting their mobility, community participation, quality of life (QOL) and functional independence provided the device is satisfactory. However, there is a paucity of information on the level of user satisfication and its impact on the mobility and well being. Keeping in view the present study was conducted to determine the level of wheelchair user’s satisfaction and its impact on physical activity and QOL in SCI. Methods A cross sectional study with a sample of 130 was conducted at Paraplegic Center, Peshawar using “Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST)” for wheelchair user’s satisfaction, “Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) for physical activity and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) for QOL. Results Mean age of the study participants was 32.48±11.96 years. The majority of the participants were males, with most of them being manual wheelchair users. Nearly 80% were regular users. The calculated mean for the QUEST was 3.23±0.51 while 24.49±27.66 for the PASIPD. For the WHOQOL-BREF the calculated median (IQR) in the environmental 56.00 (19.00) and psychological 56.00 (12.00) domain was highest followed by physical domain 50.00(19.00). No significant correlation between participant’s satisfaction level (for wheelchair), and PASIPD (rs=0.054, p=0.541) was observed. On the other hand significant positive correlation was found between physical (rs=0.394, p<0.001), social (rs=0.303, p<0.001) and environmental domain (rs=0.425, p<0.001) except psychological domain (rs=0.156, p=0.076) of QOL. Conclusion The majority of the participants showed moderate levels of satisfication and the impact was observed on the physical, social and environmental domains of QOL. Appropriate wheelchairs enhancing the QOL therefore special measures should be taken to customize the device to the body structure and needs of the customers as anything that can improve their lives even to a minor extent can prove very helpful.

Does satisfaction with the manual wheelchair have an impact on the quality of life in spinal cord injury?

“…Similarly, it has a significant impact on their psychological well-being, hence contributing to positive self-esteem, self-image, and mental wellbeing, which are essential components of overall QOL. 8,13 In this study, wheelchair satisfaction revealed positive impacts on environmental, physical and social domains of QOL except the psychological domain. Our findings are consistent with previously pub-lished study results.…”

“…9 Recently a study conducted in Pakistan also found improvement in QOL of SCI paraplegics using both manual and motorized wheelchairs if they were satisfied with their device. 13 A multinational study found that GEN_2 wheelchair design was better than GEN_1, however, overall health status and distance covered showed variation over time, and receiving one of two models appears to have a positive long-lasting effect on income and employment. 24 Similar to the current study Olaleye et al found wheelchair satisfaction to be associated with QOL.…”

“…12 The current literature only contains a single study comparing manual and motorized wheelchairs, which is difficult to locate. 13 Taking this into account, this study aims to ascertain the effects of MW users' satisfaction on QOL in people with SCI.…”