Virtual Peer Coaching in Manual Wheelchair Skills

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Feb 27, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective a remote training program is for improving manual wheelchair skills. The program involves peer coaches who are trained to help others learn important wheelchair skills. Participants will be divided into three groups: one group will receive remote feedback on their skills, another will be on a waitlist, and the third will do self-study to learn the skills on their own.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be at least 18 years old, have a stable spinal cord injury, and use a manual wheelchair for at least half of their mobility. They also need to have a device with internet and video capabilities for training. Participants can expect to learn up to 16 different skills related to using their wheelchair more effectively, and they will have someone to help them practice these skills. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and both people with paraplegia and tetraplegia can take part, as long as they can perform most of the skills by themselves or with assistance.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Coaches:
• • At least 18 years old
• • Non-progressive SCI
• • Able to speak and read English
• • Reside in the community
• • Independently use a manual wheelchair for at least 50% of mobility
• Coaches with paraplegia:
• • - Able to complete all skills targeted by the intervention, except stair ascent, (WST-Q item scores 2) independently.
• Coaches with tetraplegia:
• • - Able to complete all skills targeted by the intervention with or without assistance
• Trainees:
• • At least 18 years old
• • Non-progressive SCI
• • Able to speak and read English
• • Reside in the community
• • Independently use a manual wheelchair for 50% of mobility
• • Access to an Internet-ready device with video capabilities.
• • Access to a spotter for practicing wheelchair skills
• • Desire training for at least 5 of the 16 skills targeted by the training program
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • none