Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jan 16, 2024
Date Accepted: Feb 23, 2025
Power Assist Add-ons for Older Adult Manual Wheelchair Users: A Scoping Review Protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
Manual wheelchairs promote independence among older adult users. However, the user’s level of disability, strength, stamina, and the environmental conditions with which the wheelchair is used may limit the functionality of manual wheelchairs and their impact on independence and active aging. The use of power assist add-ons may mitigate these limitations and allow an individual to age in place.
Objective:
We propose to conduct a scoping review of scientific and gray literature to examine the use of power assist add-ons by older adults who use manual wheelchairs, as well as their advantages, limitations, and potential benefits in promoting independence and active aging.
Methods:
The review will be guided by the PRISMA checklist extension for scoping reviews, and we will use the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review methodology. The literature search will employ a comprehensive approach and will be carried out in two phases: 1) a keyword and MeSH search of electronic databases, proceedings, as well as symposia for relevant titles/abstracts; and 2) a search of Google and Google Scholar.
Results:
Articles will be selected based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dissemination will include peer-reviewed publications and conferences in rehabilitation- and/or gerontology-focused content areas.
Conclusions:
The information obtained through this review could inform future research involving wheelchair producers, suppliers, and prescribers. Clinical Trial: Open Science Framework (OSF) registries (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/96H3P)
Citation
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Copyright
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