Methodological challenges confronting researchers of wheeled mobility aids and other assistive technologies HELEN HOENIG 1 , PETER GIACOBBI 2 & CHARLES E. LEVY 3 1 Department of Medicine/Geriatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA, 2 Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA, and 3 Department of Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health Service, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA Abstract Purpose. To identify gaps in assistive technology (AT) research and solutions, with a focus on wheeled mobility. Methods. Literature review. Results. AT researchers have identified a need to move beyond determining whether a device works well in the laboratory or is perceived favorably by users. The vital next step in AT research is to determine the effects of AT when used for day-to-day activities by typical consumers. Four challenges affect AT research on everyday mobility: (1) the heterogeneity of the population using AT, the environments in which AT is used, and the devices themselves; (2) the dependency of empirical research on objective data for valid causal inference; (3) the need for detailed information to capture the interaction between the person, the device, and the environment in which it is used; and (4) the extent to which success or failure of AT is dependent on the personal perspectives of the individual using the device. These challenges are being addressed by AT researchers through use of new measures, novel data collection methods, and by linking quantitative with qualitative data. Conclusions. AT researchers are adapting traditional research designs and analytic methods to examine that effects of AT on everyday life. Keywords: Self-help devices, wheelchair, rehabilitation, durable medical equipment, activities of daily living, architectural accessibility, walking, housing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, residential mobility, methods, weights and measures, data collection Assistive technology (AT) research has made con- siderable progress over the last 50 years, particularly for mobility devices. The benefits from the attention to AT may be seen in the increased diversity of AT now available. For most of the 20th century choices in wheelchairs consisted primarily of different seat widths and, in the latter half of the century, availability of removable arm or foot/leg rests [1]. Assistivetech.net now lists 545 unique scooters and wheelchairs [2], with profound differences among them in seat configuration, wheel arrangement, and power. Use of AT has increased substantially as well [3]. In 2003, US national health expenditures on durable medical equipment (DME) were estimated to be in excess of $20 billion [4]. Much has been gained through AT research and development. Despite all of the advances in the technology itself and the large sums of money being spent by consumers and third party payers on assistive technology, we know remarkably little about the actual use of assistive technology and the benefits from the technology in the daily lives of the users. AT research over the last half-century includes conceptual, descriptive, and technological contri- butions. Noteworthy conceptual contributions in- clude overviews of measurement methodology and Correspondence: Helen Hoenig, Rehabilitation Service (117), Durham VA Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA. E-mail: helen.hoenig@va.gov Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, May 2007; 2(3): 159 – 168 ISSN 1748-3107 print/ISSN 1748-3115 online ª 2007 Informa UK Ltd. DOI: 10.1080/17483100701374405