Wheelchair Skill Performance of Manual Wheelchair Users With Spinal Cord Injury

Many individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) rely on their wheelchairs to complete daily mobility tasks. Unfortunately, the natural environment creates many mobility challenges for wheelchair users. A study by Meyers et al found that wheelchair users reported curbs, uneven terrain, and travel surface as barriers to their mobility.1 To negotiate these mobility tasks, wheelchair users require certain wheelchair skills. A study by Kilkens et al found wheelchair skills performance to be moderately associated with participation.2 Therefore, the inability to perform certain skills can limit a wheelchair user’s functional independence and participation in daily activities. The purpose of this study was to examine wheelchair skill performance of manual wheelchair users with SCI among 6 Model SCI Systems (MSCIS).