https://pittplusme.org/study/475
Wheelchair Maintenance Training Program
STUDY BASICS
Are you a manual or power wheelchair user with non-progressive spinal cord injury who is interested in learning how to perform your own wheelchair maintenance? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to find out if a wheelchair maintenance group training program is effective. Compensation and toolkit provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Wheelchair failures occur at a high rate. Recent studies have demonstrated that over 50% of wheelchairs break down every 6 months, and over 30% of wheelchair users report being stranded and missing medical appointments, work, or school. Poorly maintained wheelchairs have been linked to an increased risk of breakdowns, injuries, and higher costs of care. The goal of this study is to determine if providing group wheelchair maintenance training and tools can help wheelchair users better address the problem of wheelchair failure.COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Ages 18-75
- Have a non-progressive spinal cord injury
- Able to independently use a manual or power wheelchair
- Use wheelchair as primary means of mobility
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Participation involves attending two group training sessions. The training sessions will last approximately 120 minutes each.IRB: PRO12090536A
- Collaboration on Mobility Training: Training programs to improve outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury
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.
MEET THE COORDINATOR
Emily Bird , Ms.
Emily Bird, MSW, CCRC, is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. She is a research coordinator in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Ms. Bird has worked at the University of Pittsburgh for over eight years, and in research with her current group for four years.