Evaluation of a new assistive technology : the StandBar

PURPOSE: Evaluate the potential of a wheelchair assistive technology (StandBar) to promote power wheelchair users' ability to safely stand independently from their power wheelchair and determine the impact of the device use on psychological well-being for both power wheelchair users and their caregivers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sample of 11 power wheelchair users and caregiver dyads provided study data. Participants included power wheelchair users who were existing StandBar users or currently in training with the StandBar as part of their rehabilitation. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at six-month follow-up and included physiological assessments and functional testing with and without the StandBar. Monthly follow-up phone calls were completed to collect information on adverse events (e.g., falls, hospitalizations, and skin breakdown). A qualitative interview assessed StandBar users' and caregivers' perception at six-month follow-up.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: StandBar use provided power wheelchair users a higher level of independence, confidence, and safety. All participants highly recommended StandBar use to others with similar levels of functional impairment. StandBar use allowed many participants the ability to complete functional tasks that were otherwise not possible without assistance. Qualitative interviews reported improved independence and psychological well-being for StandBar users as well as reduced levels of anxiety and burden of care by caregivers. The StandBar is a cost-effective assistive technology that promotes independence and functionality for power wheelchair users and improves the psychological well-being of users and their caregivers. Implications for RehabilitationStandBar allows power wheelchair users to:Minimize negative effects of immobilization.Increase independence for activities of daily living (grooming, hygiene, toileting, transfers) and instrumental activities of daily living (social experiences).Improve their quality of life through increasing independence and confidence.Reduce need for assistance and corresponding caregiver burden.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:19

Enthalten in:

Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology - 19(2024), 3 vom: 29. Apr., Seite 671-681

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Barrett, Blake [VerfasserIn]
Phillips, Sam L [VerfasserIn]
Bulat, Tatjana [VerfasserIn]
Lind, Jason D [VerfasserIn]
Ballistrea, Lisa [VerfasserIn]
Ramrattan, Anita [VerfasserIn]
Friedman, Yvonne [VerfasserIn]
Cowan, Linda [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Assistive device
Assistive technology
Caregiver burden
Independence
Journal Article
Passive standing
Power wheelchair users
Quality of life
Standing device

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 11.04.2024

Date Revised 11.04.2024

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1080/17483107.2022.2115565

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM345613074