Evaluation of a stair-climbing power wheelchair in 25 people with tetraplegia.

Abstract

To compare the performance of a power wheelchair with stair-climbing capability (TopChair) and a conventional power wheelchair (Storm3). A single-center, open-label study. A physical medicine and rehabilitation hospital. Patients (N=25) who required power wheelchairs because of severe impairments affecting the upper and lower limbs. Indoor and outdoor driving trials with both devices. Curb-clearing and stair-climbing with TopChair. Trial duration and Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) tool; number of failures during driving trials and ability to climb curbs and stairs. All 25 participants successfully completed the outdoor and indoor trials with both wheelchairs. Although differences in times to trial completion were statistically significant, they were less than 10%. QUEST scores were significantly better with the Storm3 than the TopChair for weight (P=.001), dimension (P=.006), and effectiveness (P=.04). Of the 25 participants, 23 cleared a 20-cm curb without help, and 20 climbed up and down 6 steps. Most participants felt these specific capabilities of the TopChair--for example, curb clearing and stair climbing-were easy to use (22/25 for curb, 21/25 for stairs) and helpful (24/25 and 23/25). A few participants felt insecure (4/25 and 6/25, respectively). The TopChair is a promising mobility device that enables stair and curb climbing and warrants further study.