STUDY BASICS
Do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility (over 40 hours a week) due to a traumatic spinal cord injury? If so, you may be interested in participating in a research study to find out if an online training program designed to teach people how to improve wheelchair maintenance techniques is effective. Compensation provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Wheelchair breakdowns are common and can lead to injuries, being stranded, and missed appointments and activities. Learning to perform proper wheelchair maintenance can lower the risk of experiencing a breakdown, but opportunities for wheelchair-related training are limited.
The purpose of this study is to find out if an online training program designed to teach people who use wheelchairs how to improve maintenance techniques is effective. Researchers hope their findings will lead to fewer wheelchair breakdowns in the future.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Ages 18 and up
- Have a traumatic spinal cord injury
- Use a wheelchair as primary means of mobility (greater than 40 hours per week)
- Have internet access
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Interested participants will be asked to complete an online consent form and screening questions. Eligible participants will answer questionnaires and complete a 1-2 hour online training module. After reviewing the maintenance training materials, participants will be asked to provide feedback on the training. After completing the online training module, participants can choose to take part in optional follow-up activities.
IRB: STUDY18100047
- Effectiveness of a Remote Wheelchair Maintenance Training ProgramMEET THE RESEARCHER
Lynn Worobey
Lynn Worobey, PhD, DPT, ATP is a research assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and a Research Scientist at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. Dr. Worobey received her doctorate in bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh. She has extensive experience in biomechanics and is a certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). In order to achieve a more direct interaction with patients, she went on to complete a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. Her interests include maximizing function for individuals who use assistive technology.