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Assessing mobility characteristics and activity levels of manual wheelchair users

Michelle L. Tolerico, MS, et al.

Figure. Mounting of data logger used to monitor wheelchair activity.

Although research shows that participating in an active lifestyle is beneficial to maintaining quality of life, a majority of wheelchair users are inactive. The goal of this study was to compare the mobility characteristics and activity levels of manual wheelchair users in two real-world settings: the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) and the subjects' residential settings. The ability to accurately measure mobility characteristics and activity levels allows us to assess whether manual wheelchair users are attaining recommended activity levels. Attaining the recommended level of physical activity is important for reducing the risk of secondary health problems. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the NVWG at providing an environment for manual wheelchair users to increase their activity levels.


Volume 44 Number 4 2007
Pages 561 — 572

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