Mobility of wheelchair users: a proposed performance assessment framework FRANC¸ OIS ROUTHIER*{{}, CLAUDE VINCENT{{, JOHANNE DESROSIERS}{{ and SYLVIE NADEAU{{}} { Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en re´adaptation et inte´gration sociale (CIRRIS), Insti- tut de re´adaptation en de´ficience physique de Que´bec, 525 boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel est, Que´bec, Canada G1M 2S8 { De´partement de re´adaptation, Universite´ Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Que´bec, Cana- da, G1K 7P4 } Direction des programmes des aides techniques, Institut de re´adaptation en de´ficience phy- sique de Que´bec, 525 boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel est, Que´bec, Canada G1M 2S8 } Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement (CDRV), Institut universitaire de ge´riatrie de Sher- brooke, 1036 rue Belve´de`re Sud, Sherbrooke, Canada J1H 4C4 {{ De´partement de me´decine de famille, Faculte´ de me´decine, Universite´ de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Canada J1H 5N4 {{ Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en re´adaptation (CRIR) du Montre´al me´tropolitain, Institut de re´adaptation de Montre´al, 6300 avenue Darlington, Montre´al, Canada H3S 2J4 }} E ´ cole de re´adaptation, Universite´ de Montre´al, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montre´al, Ca- nada H3C 3J7 Accepted for publication: April 2002 Abstract Purpose: Few standardized outcome measures used in the clinical assessment of wheelchair user performance assess or document all the factors that influence mobility. This article presents a conceptual framework that suggests a more all- encompassing view of wheelchair mobility performance assessment. Method: After determining, through a survey of the literature, which factors influence wheelchair mobility, a conceptual framework was proposed. Outcome measures of wheelchair mobility were then surveyed. An analysis of these assessment tools allowed factors to be determined that were considered in the clinical assessment of wheelchair mobility performance. A comparison of these led to observations being drawn, which could allow the development of a valid and reliable standardized outcome measure to be used in clinics. Results and Conclusion: Future improvements to the clinical assessment of wheelchair mobility performance should focus on developing an assessment tool considering all categories of factors influencing wheelchair mobility. These categories are the user’s profile, the wheelchair, the environment, the daily activities and social roles and the assessment and training received. A controlled-environment outcome measure using a standardized obstacle course with fundamental situations would allow rehabilitation therapists to evaluate clients for the selection of a wheelchair and to document their progress during training. This tool should make it possible to extrapolate the results and thereby apply them to daily activities and social roles. Introduction Problems in mobility can be brought about by disease, trauma or ageing. Mobility refers to any move- ments that lead to a change in position or location 1 by one’s own means performed with or without technical assistance. 2 It is a basic and necessary activity for the quality of life of all people at any age. 3 Mobility allows us to carry out daily and domestic activities that are required in the various fields of human performance, such as personal care, work, education, leisure and play. 4 Wheelchair mobility requires being able to move the chair and use its accessories, such as the brakes or control interface. 1 The wheelchair allows users to be eective and ecient in their environment 5 so that they may accomplish lifestyle-related activities. 6 According to Creel et al, 3 a wheelchair can be the primary means of * Author for correspondence; e-mail: Francois.Routhier@rea.ulaval.ca DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION, 2003; VOL. 25, NO. 1, 19 – 34 Disability and Rehabilitation ISSN 0963–8288 print/ISSN 1464–5165 online # 2003 Taylor & Francis Ltd http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals DOI: 10.1080/09638280210151978