Virtual Peer Coaching in Manual Wheelchair Skills Research Study- Trainee

STUDY BASICS

Do you have a non-progressive spinal cord injury? You may be eligible for a research study to determine the effectiveness of virtual coaching from a peer to improve manual wheelchair skills. This study will include virtual 1:1 training sessions targeted at improving your wheelchair skills. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness of virtual coaching from a peer to improve manual wheelchair skills.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have a non-progressive spinal cord injury (SCI) 
• Are able to speak and read English
• Reside in the community
• Use a manual wheelchair for at least 50% of your mobility
• Have access to an internet-ready device with video capabilities
• Have access to a spotter for practicing wheelchair skills
• Desire training in at least 5 of the 16 skills included in the study (see below)

Skills included in the study:

1. Opening/closing doors
2. Picking up an object from the ground
3. Getting over a gap
4. Getting over a threshold
5. Up a low curb
6. Down a low curb
7. Up a high curb
8. Down a high curb
9. Stationary wheelie
10. Up a steep incline
11. Down a steep incline
12. Getting up stairs
13. Getting down stairs
14. Uneven transfers
15. Floor-to-chair transfer
16. Folding/unfolding wheelchair

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

• Six, weekly peer coaching sessions via Zoom to improve wheelchair skills
• Access to a library of wheelchair skills training videos
• Completion of questionnaires before and after training