User Assessment of a Novel Suspension for a Wheelchair—A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind Trial

BACKGROUND: Many Wheelchair users experience adverse effects specific to their situation, some of which might be avoided if suspension systems are integrated into the wheelchair. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to compare the user experience using a novel wheelchair suspension system with normal wheels. We tried to quantify the user feelings and impressions while using the different wheels. STUDY DESIGN: Double blinded comparative randomized study. METHODS: The patients were randomized into 2 groups. One used shock absorbing wheels, and the other group had a set of standard wheels with the same exact wheelchairs. The patients were taken to a daily trip by the caregivers and given questionnaires in the second and fourth days. On the morning of the third day the wheels were interchanged, creating a cross over between the groups. We collected general and medical information from the participants. The main outcome measures were the questionnaires filled by the patients and the caregivers aiming to quantify the user experience with the suspension equipped wheels. RESULTS: Statistical significance was reached in 2 questions referred to the patients: “In general—During the ride I didn’t feel the bumps” and “I feel very confident when riding the chair” and in one question referred to the caregiver—“It was easy to push the chair in suboptimal ground.” CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the shock absorbing system provided a better user experience in the immediate term than standard wheels. Further study is needed to assess the long-term implications.