New Rear Anti-tip Device for Manual Wheelchairs: Subjective Input (RAD-SI)
This study is gathering opinions from people who use manual wheelchairs and those who provide wheelchair services. It's about a new type of anti-tip device designed to make wheelchairs safer and easier to move around. Current anti-tip devices can sometimes be tricky or limit what a wheelchair user can do. This new design aims to fix those issues by deploying automatically when needed, helping to prevent tipping accidents while still allowing for greater freedom of movement and stability. Researchers want to understand your experiences with existing devices and get your thoughts on how useful this new design might be for everyday life. They've already done some tests that show it works well.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about making manual wheelchairs safer and easier to use. Many people who use wheelchairs rely on devices that stop the chair from tipping backwards. However, these current anti-tip devices can sometimes make it harder to get around or even prevent wheelchair users from doing things like 'wheelies' – which can be an important skill for getting over small obstacles.
Researchers have designed a new anti-tip device that they hope will solve these problems. It's called an 'Arc-RAD' because it has an arm that moves in an arc. This arm usually stays out of the way, but if the wheelchair starts to tip backwards, it automatically swings down to the ground, stopping the tip. The great thing is, it's designed to be used all the time because it only deploys when needed, and it makes the wheelchair very stable when it's engaged. You can even adjust it from the wheelchair for different situations.
The main goal of this study is to ask wheelchair users and the professionals who help them get wheelchairs (like occupational therapists) what they think. They want to hear about your experiences with the current anti-tip devices and get your opinions on whether this new design sounds like a good idea and if it could make a real difference to safety and independence.
Key takeaways
- Your opinion can help improve wheelchair safety.
- The study focuses on a new, automatic anti-tip device.
- It involves sharing your experiences via questionnaires.
- No physical testing of the device is required from you.
- Your participation could make wheelchairs easier and safer for others.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old, willing to participate, and able to understand and speak English. You should also be able to see and hear video demonstrations and commit to a scheduled time for the study activities.
If you're a wheelchair user, you must have been using a manual wheelchair for at least one month. If you are a caregiver, you need to spend at least two hours a week on average helping a manual wheelchair user with their movement.
Occupational therapists or assistants who regularly help people get wheelchairs are also invited to join. The study doesn’t want anyone to take part if they have emotional problems that might make the experience difficult or unpleasant.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Can you understand and speak English?
- Have you used a manual wheelchair for at least one month (if you are a wheelchair user)?
- Are you an occupational therapist/assistant regularly involved with wheelchairs, or do you care for a manual wheelchair user for at least 2 hours/week?
- Can you commit to a scheduled time to do the study activities?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask about your experiences with the anti-tip devices currently used on manual wheelchairs. You'll also be asked for your thoughts on the new design after seeing some video demonstrations. The study doesn't involve any medication, clinic visits, or long-term follow-up. It's focused on gathering your opinions through a survey format. The total time commitment will involve setting aside a scheduled time for the study activities.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Nova Scotia Rehabilitation and Arthritis CentreVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada
Common questions
What exactly is an anti-tip device?
It's a part of a wheelchair designed to stop it from tipping over backwards, making it safer for the user.
What's wrong with the current anti-tip devices?
Sometimes they can make it harder to move the wheelchair around or limit what a user can do, like lifting the front wheels for obstacles.
How is this new device different?
It's designed to stay out of the way during normal use but automatically deploys to stop a tip, offering both safety and better manoeuvrability.
Do I have to try out the new device?
No, this study only involves providing your opinions by answering questionnaires after seeing video demonstrations of the device.
Who is running this study?
This study is being conducted by researchers looking to improve wheelchair design. The specific organisation isn't mentioned in the details provided.
How to find out more
Ronald L Kirby, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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