Consequences of fllas while unsing wheelchair

Abstract

Falls while using wheelchairs are frequent and, despite the studies around this subject, few have been discussed about the perception of users. The present study aims to survey and discuss the extent of the consequences of a fall in the user's view and the design of their wheelchair, considering physical injuries and psychosocial losses. In this sense, a questionnaire was applied from the theoretical framework of studies on this subject, adapted to the perspective of design and the user. Fifty-two users of wheelchairs, young adults (21-64 years), who use them as their main means of mobility, participated. The results indicated that the impact of a fall is greater in the psychosocial sphere and that factors such as gender and age can influence the extent of these consequences. It was also observed that safety items have little adherence, as well as low influence on the consequences of falls; and the inadequacy or failure of the motorized wheelchair was the attribution most reported by the user as a factor of the fall. All these aspects should be considered during wheelchair design.