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Susceptibility
of Uninsured and Underinsured Female Manual Wheelchair Users to Development
of Secondary Disability Due to Manual Wheelchair Class
Purpose: Previous research has demonstrated a high incidence of repetitive strain injury in the high extremities of manual wheelchair users. Females have anatomical and muscular force generation characteristics that may predispose them to develop secondary disabilities of the upper extremities at an increased rate and incidence when compared to male wheelchair users. Women who happen to be under-insured or uninsured often receive a manual wheelchair that predisposes them to development of secondary disabilities. The purpose of this study is to determine differences between the light-weight adjustable manual wheelchair (LWA) or a heavier, non-adjustable manual wheelchair (HNA) groups relative to health perception, degree of secondary disability development, extent of insurance coverage, shoulder and elbow joint range-of-motion, propulsion technique and wheelchair-to-user dimensions. Research Aims: It is the goal of this study to provide preliminary data concerning the differences between users of HNA and LWA manual wheelchairs relative to health status and perception, degree of secondary disability development, degree of insurance coverage, shoulder and elbow range-of-motion, wheelchair propulsion technique and wheelchair-to-user dimensions. This preliminary data will provide a basis for further research. Methods:
This case control study proposes to consider groups of women using HNA
wheelchairs (case) and LWA (control) wheelchairs. Data will be collected
regarding the health perception, extent of secondary disability, degree
of insurance coverage, shoulder and elbow range-of-motion, wheelchair
propulsion technique and wheelchair-to-user dimensions. Data will be analyzed
between groups to determine whether the type of wheelchair used is associated
with the qualitative and quantitative variables identified |