https://pittplusme.org/study/953
Online Wheelchair Transfer Training Study
STUDY BASICS
Do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of getting around? Are you between the ages of 18 and 75? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if online training can be used to teach people how to transfer to and from a wheelchair. This study takes place online and involves questionnaires and an hour-long training program. Compensation provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Wheelchair users perform 15-20 transfers daily for various reasons including bathing and driving. Transferring to and from a wheelchair on your own is physically demanding and requires training. This type of training is typically provided during inpatient rehabilitation stays, but the number of hours and quality of training varies greatly. The purpose of this study is to find out if an online wheelchair transfer training program is effective. Researchers hope to improve access and quality of the transfer trainings available to wheelchair users.COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Ages 18-75
- Use a wheelchair as primary means of getting around (over 40 hours per week)
- Able to transfer on your own (may use equipment like sliding boards)
- Access to a computer with internet
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Participation takes place entirely online and lasts up to 1 year. Participants will receive online training and complete questionnaires.IRB: STUDY19020341
- Studying the Effectiveness of Remote Training (SERT)
MEET THE RESEARCHER
Michael Boninger
Dr. Michael Boninger is a Professor and UPMC Endowed Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. He has joint appointments in the Departments of Bioengineering, Rehabilitation Science and Technology and the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine. He is Senior Medical Director for Post-Acute Care for the Health Services Division of UPMC. He is also a physician researcher for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Boninger has an extensive publication record of over 270 papers. His central research focus is on enabling increased function and participation for individuals with disabilities through development and application of assistive, rehabilitative and regenerative technologies. Dr. Boninger holds 4 United States patents and has received numerous honors, including being inducted into the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) of the National Academy of Science.