Functional Mobility Outcomes of Individuals Using Wheelchairs
Penny J. Powers, PT, MS, ATPa, Virginia Flyb, Miranda Lawb, Stacey Lindsleyb, Lacey Littleb, Spence Tomlinsonb, Renee Brown, PT, PhDb
aPi Beta Phi Rehabilitation Institute, Adult Seating and Mobility Clinic, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
bDepartment of Physical Therapy, Belmont University
There is a need to assess an individual's functioning in his/her prescribed seating system as well as evaluate new technologies. This study used the Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) to evaluate functioning of 39 subjects prior to and after receiving a new seating /mobility system, with 30 completing the pre-fit and 10 completing the pre and post-fit FMA. The average FMA response was higher in the post-fit than pre-fit for each question except the one addressing access to transportation, indicating a higher level of reported functioning with their new system. The largest reported improvement was in question 2, which addresses their comfort. The highest level of agreement for both the pre-fit and post-fit related to indoor mobility. Although function was improved, access to public and private transportation remains a problem for wheelchair users. Data collection is ongoing; therefore additional conclusions may be made in the future.