Everyday Life Participation Using Powered Wheelchair Standing Devices by Boys With DMD

Abstract

Powered wheelchair standing devices (PWSDs) allow supported standing for activity; however, little is known about their use. To understand factors affecting use of supported standing for participation among boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and characteristics of successful users, we gathered data over 7 days from boys who had used PWSDs for 24 months, using a smartphone application. We used descriptive statistics to identify factors that affected their participation. Physical/social engagement and independence were motivators for standing in PWSDs. Enablers included positive attitudinal/social environments. Barriers included pain during supported standing and lack of physical environment accessibility. The characteristics of successful users were identified. Supported standing via PWSDs has potential to improve participation for boys with DMD. The disease stage, individual personal factors and environmental supports impact on use. Therapists should carefully consider and manage factors that impact on uptake and sustainability of use.

Enabled to Stand: A Single-subject Research Design Study Exploring Pediatric Power Wheelchair Standing Device Use

“…AIM-IAM-FIM scores indicate that overall, participants found PWSD use acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. However, consistent with findings from other PWSD studies,9,10,27 the Human, Activity, Assistive Technology Model28 suggests children’s use of their PWSD in this study was likely influenced by factors related to the specific child and family, the environments where the PWSD was used, and the PWSD itself 28. For example, although Child Participant 1 reported enjoying the use of the PWSD, he also reported some anxiousness about using the device around other people as he worried he might accidently run into another person, even though this never happened.…”