Citation: |
Cooper, R. A., Boninger, M. L., Cooper, R., Fitzgerald, S. G., & Kellerher, A. (2004). Preliminary assessment of a prototype advanced mobility device in the work environment of veterans with spinal cord injury.
NeuroRehabilitation, 19
(2),
161-170.
|
Title: |
Preliminary assessment of a prototype advanced mobility device in the work environment of veterans with spinal cord injury |
Authors: |
Cooper, R. A., Boninger, M. L., Cooper, R., Fitzgerald, S. G., & Kellerher, A. |
Year: |
2004 |
Journal/Publication:
|
NeuroRehabilitation |
Publisher: |
IOS Press |
Full text: |
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15201475
|
Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
NIDILRR-funded? |
Yes
|
Research design:
|
Single subject design
|
Background: |
Many environments are not accessible to individuals that use wheelchairs for ambulation. |
Purpose:
|
The purpose of this study was to collect data on the potential for the Independence 3000 IBOT Transporter to improve employment satisfaction of veterans who use wheelchairs to work. |
Setting:
|
Various offices made up the setting. |
Study sample: |
Subjects were recruited from the Washington Office of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Four male veterans with traumatic spinal cord injury were selected to participate in the study. |
Intervention:
|
The intervention was the use of the IBOT in the work setting to hold eye-level discussions with colleagues, climb stairs, ascend steep ramps, and negotiate curbs. |
Control or comparison condition:
|
There was no control or comparison condition. |
Data collection and analysis:
|
Observations were made by trained clinicians and participants responded to a survey. |
Findings:
|
Half of the users felt that the IBOT would help them at work and all users felt it should be made available to veterans who use wheelchairs. |
Conclusions:
|
A larger study should be conducted to determine if the IBOT affects work performance and the ability to return to work. |