JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Wheelchair part failures and repairs can negatively affect wheelchair users' health. No tools or technologies exist to enable technician-driven wheelchair servicing and repair when it is due.

Objective:

To test the association between wheelchair usage and manual wheelchair damage, part failures, and consequences for older wheelchair users and evaluate their preferences for a new wheelchair servicing technology.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed with older manual wheelchair users at [blinded] in Mexico. Demographic data, wheelchair information, failure counts, and preferences for new technology (sensor and smartphone app for servicing) were collected using surveys. Road shocks experienced by the wheelchair were collected for a week using a sensor.

Results:

Ten participants (age: 78.8±11.8 years, 8 female, 2 male) participated. Seven experienced an average of 2.86±1.36 self-reported part failures. Road shocks correlated with damage condition of critical parts and self-reported loose brake failures. No consequences were reported. More than eight participants would like to monitor the wheelchair's condition using the new technology and buy it at an average price of 589.7±369.17 Mexican Pesos.

Conclusions:

The association between wheelchair usage and failures calls for developing data-driven wheelchair inspection schedules observed through a collaborative approach involving stakeholders in wheelchair repair provision and older adult users. Older adults are interested in using new technology to engage in wheelchair servicing. Clinical Trial: NA