Association Between the Availability of Mobility Assistive Products and Participation Outcomes in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury in Switzerland

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2023 · DOI: 10.46292/sci22-00030 · Published: October 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Assistive Technology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how having different types of mobility assistive products (MAPs) affects how well people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) participate in daily life in Switzerland. It looks at whether having access to things like sports wheelchairs or adapted cars makes a difference in how often people participate in activities, how restricted they feel, and how satisfied they are with their participation. The research found that having a sports wheelchair or a hand bike can significantly reduce the feeling of restriction in participation for individuals with SCI. Additionally, having an adapted car was linked to an increased frequency of participation. The study highlights that many people with SCI still have unmet needs for certain MAPs, especially those related to sports and leisure. Addressing these unmet needs could improve their participation and overall well-being.

Study Duration

2011 to 2013

Participants

492 Swiss residents with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The availability of a sports wheelchair or a hand bike was significantly associated with less restriction in participation among individuals with SCI.
2
Having an adapted car increased the frequency of participation for individuals with SCI.
3
There is a significant unmet need (up to 36%) for sports-related mobility assistive products among individuals with SCI in Switzerland.

Research Summary

This study examined the association between the availability of mobility assistive products (MAPs) and participation outcomes in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland. The results indicated that the availability of sports wheelchairs and hand bikes was significantly associated with reduced restrictions in participation, while adapted cars increased the frequency of participation. The study concludes that addressing the unmet needs for sports-related MAPs could be a target for intervention to improve participation and potentially reduce healthcare costs.

Practical Implications

Promote Access to Sports-Related MAPs

Healthcare systems should consider providing better support for the acquisition and use of sports wheelchairs and hand bikes for individuals with SCI.

Address Environmental Barriers

Efforts should be made to improve environmental accessibility to facilitate the use of electric wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Consider Financial Support

Providing financial assistance for sports-related MAPs could potentially reduce overall healthcare costs by promoting physical activity and health.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causality.
2
Self-reported data may be subject to response bias.
3
Small sample sizes for some subgroups of MAP users may limit the clarity of associations.

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