The Effects of Using Active Wheelchair (AWC) and Standard Wheelchair (SWC) on Physical Performance -Choosing Appropriate Wheelchair (WC)-

Abstract

The aim of WC exercises is to acquire technical skills required for using WC correctly, and to help improve the physical performance. This study has been carried out in order to investigate the effects of AWC and SWC exercises on physical performances and technical skills of obese individuals having no movement limitation in their upper extremities. In this study, 41 WC users (20 AWC users and 21 SWC users) aged between 18 and 26 years, and having no movement limitation in their upper extremities have been involved. For 16 weeks, a 50 min WC activity program (technique, distance walking, and effort) has been implemented 3 times a week. IBM SPSS 21 software has been used for statistical analyses, while t-test has been utilized for standard deviation, mean value and comparisons, and the level of significance has been set as p<0.05. After the 16-weeks physical activity program, increases in WC usage techniques, balance skills, and physical performance have been observed. In all of tests performed, AWC group showed better performance than SWC group. It has been found that the users especially in SWC group have ache in back, shoulders, arms, and wrists. Physical activities with an appropriate WC improve the mobility, decrease pain in back, shoulders and wrists, and balance the energy consumption. This study shows that 50-mil daily physical activities would contribute to WC usage techniques of AWC users, and their physical performances. This could be an important factor in eliminating the possible injuries.