GF Strong Rehab Centre

Assistive Technology & Seating Service

Assistive Technology Topics & Equipment Studies

Assistive Technology & Seating Service performs evaluative studies covering a broad range of subjects. The only common thread is that the studies offer insight which has clinical relevance.

The studies make no claim to being models of academic research. Partially because this type of research is expensive to perform and partially because the results almost invariably suggest that further research is needed. A conclusion is not a lot of use to the consumer who needs to make a decision now.

Current Studies

The following list includes a summary of our evaluations to date. Click on the links provided to view the documents in full. This section is not intended to offer exhaustive lists or reviews of equipment, but our impressions of what works and what does not.

• To view the pdf documents, you will require Acrobat Reader.

Ian Denison & Doug Gayton

• Scooter Stability, 3- vs 4-wheel scooters: (2005)
• Power Wheelchairs: A New Definition: An in-depth analysis of 11 power wheelchairs including an extensive section revealing the relative merits of Front, Mid and Rear Wheel Drive. It is aimed at the following consumers:
  • Wheelchair users
    
  • Clinicians who order wheelchairs
    
  • Agencies who pay for wheelchair purchases

Power Wheelchairs Selection (2002) - Even more detailed document in seven sections:

• About the Authors
• New Definition
• Performance Analysis - Indoor
• Performance Analysis - Outdoor
• Performance Analysis - Off Road
• Performance Analysis - Other Factors
• Comparison test

Ian Denison

Wheelchair Related Studies

• Carpet: Its Effect on Wheeled Objects: A look at the effect of carpet on a variety of wheeled objects including wheelchairs laundry carts, patient lifting devices, etc.
• The effects of Tire Pressure on Wheeling Efficiency by Ian Denison, RPT; William C Miller PhD*, OT; Bonita J. Sawatzky, PhD
• PowerTrike: Wheelchair attachment review.
• Wheelchair Selection Manual: by Ian Denison, Jody Shaw and Rudy Zuyderhoff
  Wheelchair users have specific needs. Wheelchairs and their components have specific performance characteristics. This publication describes how to select a manual wheelchair whose performance characteristics complement the users' needs enabling them to reach their full potential.
• FreeWheel Evaluation

Wheelchair Maintenance Series

• The Right Tool
• Understanding Nuts, Bolts, and Screws
• Adjusting Bearings
• Wheel Lock Adjustment
• Tracking Adjustment
• Caster Stem Adjustment
• Lubrication
• Fixing a Flat Tire
• Full Document

General Studies

• Cell Phone Study: An investigation into the electromagnetic compatibility between cell phones and various client equipment including: power wheelchairs, ventilators and a small number of augmentative communication devices.
• Band aid Study

Doug Gayton

• Reading/Listening for Pleasure in the 21st Century: a review of page turners, electronic books, etc. (2007)

Cathy Wengryniuk

• Getting Attention: a review of emergency response systems, attendant paging systems, personal pagers, baby monitors and buzzers.
• Voice Dictation: human, equipment and situational factors essential for success.
• Computer access for people with ALS .
• This is Cathy's last article before retiring: Handy freebies and demonstration software. (2005)

Chris Speropoulos

• Automated Door Precis:  Helpful hints for BC Residents

Please check back for more information. Your feedback and comments on our Topics postings are encouraged and welcomed. Please address your feedback to the author at his or her e-mail address.

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