The functional mobility with wheelchairs in individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Introduction

Functional mobility is a common aspect involved in spinal cord injured patients, requiring the use of a wheelchair. Although this resource is fundamental in the rehabilitation of these individuals, several aspects related to the physical environment can interfere with the levels of functional mobility.

Objective

To describe aspects related to functional mobility with a wheelchair in patients with spinal cord injury.

Method

This is a descriptive study with samples composed of 11 patients with spinal cord injuries from an association of people with disabilities in a medium-sized city of São Paulo State. For data collection, a Spinal Cord Injury Identification Form was used. Data were analyzed through simple descriptive analysis.

Results

Most of the sample used a motorized wheelchair (63.63%; n = 7) and reported barriers in the home environment (81.81%; n = 9), on the sidewalk (90.90%; n = 10) and in the block of the household (90.90%; n = 10). Despite these barriers, 100% (n = 11) reported independence for mobility at home and 90.90% (n = 10) outside. Among the reported mobility difficulties, there were limitations for transfers to the car (54.54%; n = 6), transfers to surfaces of the same height (36.36%; n = 4), and transportation of the wheelchair in own vehicle (63.63%; n = 7).

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the relevance of interventions aimed at promoting functional mobility in individuals with spinal cord injury with an emphasis on the physical environment and assistive technology resources.

Keywords:
Locomotion; Wheelchairs; Rehabilitation; Spinal Cord Injury; Occupational Therapy