A Systematic Review of the Impact of Powered Mobility Devices on Older Adults’ Activity Engagement

Abstract

Purpose: To systematically review the impact powered mobility devices have on engagement in independent occupations for adults with acquired mobility limitations.Method: Electronic search of CINAHL Plus, Medline, PsychInfo, OT Seeker, Joanna Briggs Institute and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Search terms included combinations of words to encompass all terms most likely used for powered mobility.Results: Eleven studies were eligible for inclusion. One study was a true experimental design; four studies were pre-experimental, and six were non-experimental. Studies indicated positive improvements to occupational engagement and independence while environmental barriers were identified as negatively impacting occupation and increasing risk of injury or accident.Conclusions: Drawing conclusions from this research is problematic due to varying methodological quality. This review suggested two distinct themes: environmental barriers generate difficulties and challenges, which can subsequently result in accident or injury, and access to powered mobility impacts positively on areas of independence, quality of life, mobility and engagement.

A review of factors influencing participation in social and community activities for wheelchair users

“…Given the potential growth in the number of wheelchair users, and concerns regarding their lowered participation, research in this area has increased to a point where there is now a body of evidence on factors associated with the participation in this population. Although one recent review investigated the impact of powered wheelchairs on activity engagement in adults [23], to our knowledge, there is no published study which has systematically reviewed and consolidated the evidence on all the factors reported to be associated with participation among wheelchair users. Such work will contribute to a better clinical and research understanding of the participation of wheelchair users, and present a platform to advance research in the area.…”

Interrater and intrarater reliability of the wheelchair skills test version 4.2 for power wheelchair users

“…Power wheelchairs provide opportunities for increased independence for individuals with mobility disabilities, as well as improved quality of life, well-being, and self-esteem by facilitating participation in meaningful activities. [1][2][3][4] In the United States, there are over 3.6 million non-institutionalized users of wheelchairs. [5] In Canada, there were approximately 197,560 manual and 42,360 power wheelchair users living in the community in 2012.…”

“…[6] The use of power wheelchairs is expected to continue to increase due to the aging population, growing incidence of disability, and evidence supporting the benefits of power mobility devices. [3,7] Despite the benefits of power wheelchairs and their increasing use, barriers such as the natural environment and transportation can limit participation in desired occupations and community integration. [1,3,8] Commonly identified barriers to participation include narrow aisles, uneven ground, and tight spaces that require the wheelchair user to maneuver backwards.…”

“…[3,7] Despite the benefits of power wheelchairs and their increasing use, barriers such as the natural environment and transportation can limit participation in desired occupations and community integration. [1,3,8] Commonly identified barriers to participation include narrow aisles, uneven ground, and tight spaces that require the wheelchair user to maneuver backwards. [3,9] There are also concerns from the wheelchair users themselves, as well as from friends, family, and health professionals, regarding the power wheelchair user's safety and risk for accidents.…”

The Provision of Powered Mobility Devices in Italy: Linking Process with Outcomes

“…The term power mobility device (hereafter Powered Mobility Device (PMD)) is used here to refer to scooters, powered wheelchairs, and other devices such as self-balancing wheelchairs. The literature suggests that provision of PMDs may increase participation and quality of life for a wide range of people with limitations, including children and adolescents [2], adults [3], and the elderly [3,4]. In order for users to achieve those benefits, they must have access to experienced providers and suppliers familiar with the equipment, have recommended devices and equipment appropriate for their needs, and utilize the equipment [5].…”