Two wheelchair types available for children in Kenya are assessed for energy costs, utility, and complications. This study will arrive at a protocol for assessing wheelchairs in low-income settings, and in the process, provide wheelchair makers and providers with specific feedback. It also serves as a means to increase the skills of local health professionals working with the children in this study, while providing them with appropriate wheelchairs to use.
In each of 2011, 2012, and 2013, two different low cost wheelchairs were assessed. User feedback, health professional feedback, and objective measures were employed for these assessments in the real world setting. Participants for each phase were recruited from a Kenyan Primary or Secondary Schools for children with disability.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Kenyan Primary School
Thika, Kenya
physiologic costs (FEW)
energy costs will be measured, feedback will be obtained from children (VAS)
Time frame: within 1 year of wheelchair acquisition for each phase
medical complications
direct assessment by physician for Musculoskeletal and Skin complications
Time frame: within 24 months after wheelchair distribution for each phase
participation
using decriptive data to describe effect of wheelchair use on participation in school and play
Time frame: within 24 months after wheelchair distribution for each phase
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