CompletedNot Applicable

EPIC WheelS Feasibility Study

Canada20 participantsStarted 2013-03

Plain-language summary

Many older adults have difficulty walking. A wheelchair can improve their participation but older adults typically receive little wheelchair training. Structured training programs are effective but rely on multiple 1:1 sessions with a skilled clinician. EPIC WheelS combines 2 brief training sessions and a 4-week home training program delivered using a portable computer tablet and monitored by an expert trainer. This study investigates the feasibility and potential for using EPIC WheelS with older adult novice wheelchair users in Vancouver and Winnipeg, measuring the impact on wheelchair skill, safety and confidence compared to a control group receiving only cognitive training. Hypotheses: The investigators expect that the feasibility outcomes will be sufficiently robust to support conducting a subsequent multi-site RCT. The investigators also expect the EPIC WheelS training program will have a significant treatment effect with improvement in wheelchair mobility, compared to a control group.

Who can participate

Age range50 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Wheelchair users must * be at least 50 years old * use his/her wheelchair for at least 1 hour per day on average * live within the metropolitan boundaries of Vancouver or Winnipeg * have a caregiver who is able to attend training sessions and supervise home training Caregivers must * be 19 years old or older * be a caregiver of a manual wheelchair user who is 50 years or older * able to attend the training sessions * be able to supervise or spot the wheelchair user during home training Exclusion Criteria: Wheelchair users would be excluded if he/she * cannot communicate or complete the study questionnaires in English * has a health condition or upcoming procedure that would prevent you from performing training activities (e.g., cancer treatment, surgery) * is currently receiving wheelchair skills training elsewhere * cannot use both arms to propel your wheelchair Caregivers will be excluded if * he/she cannot communicate in English * he/she has a health condition or upcoming procedure that would prevent you from supervising training activities (e.g., cancer treatment, surgery)

What they're measuring

Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) - Capacity

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01740635

SponsorUniversity of British Columbia

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-03