Short-term influence of transfer training among full time pediatric wheelchair users: A randomized trial

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2017 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2016.1149292 · Published: July 1, 2017

Assistive Technology Pediatrics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study investigates the impact of a short transfer training program on pediatric wheelchair users. Transfers, defined as moving to or from a wheelchair, are critical for daily living and community participation. The research also explores if children respond similarly to training as adults. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received structured training, while the control group did not. Transfer skills were assessed using the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI) at three time points. The results showed that the intervention group improved significantly in transfer skills compared to the control group immediately after training. This suggests that even a short training program can positively impact pediatric wheelchair users' transfer abilities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

12 pediatric wheelchair users

Evidence Level

Randomized clinical trial

Key Findings

1
Intervention group participants demonstrated significant improvements among TAI scores (9.06 ± 1.01) compared to the control group (7.15 ± 1.67), P = 0.030, d = 1.385.
2
No significant differences were found among SPPC scores.
3
Pediatric wheelchair users showed a 22.48% change in TAI scores Pre-Intervention: 7.43, SD = 1.54, Post- Intervention: 9.06, SD = 1.01.

Research Summary

This randomized clinical trial is among the first to examine the short-term impact of a structured, evidenced-based transfer-training program among pediatric wheelchair users. Results indicate that after exposure to transfer training, transfer quality significantly improved. Our findings were also consistent with those found in adults, indicating that similar strategies may be effective in training both pediatric and adult wheelchair users. This preliminary work will serve as important basis in the development of evidenced-based transfer training programs that can be used both clinically and independently by pediatric wheelchair users.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

The findings support the implementation of structured transfer training programs for pediatric wheelchair users to improve their transfer skills.

Long-Term Health

Improved transfer techniques may contribute to long-term upper extremity preservation by reducing strain and preventing injuries.

Independent Training

The structured program has the potential to be used independently by pediatric wheelchair users and their families.

Study Limitations

1
The sample size of our study was small (n = 12) and had a homogeneous age range (m = 15.58 years, SD = 1.44 years), therefore results may not be generalizable to a larger group of pediatric wheelchair users.
2
In addition, limited follow-up time was available to examine the long-term impact of the training protocol. The extent to which technique changes will persist in the long term is unknown.
3
Also, the investigator performing the transfer assessment was aware of group assignment and may have been biased when performing Transfer Assessment #3.

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