Efficacy of Wheelchair Skills Training to Improve Mobility for People with ARSACS and DM1

Wheelchairs (WC) are often provided to people with ARSACS and MD1 when they are not able to walk anymore. However, giving someone a MWC alone does not guarantee they will use it safely or properly. Many people who use WC need help from others to get around and they can not always do the things they like to do. This can lead to isolation, stress, and reduced quality of life. In addition, poor use of a MWC could lead to accidents and injuries. Our team recently showed that people with ARSACS have lower MWC skills than other adults who use MWC, and that teaching MWC skills to people with ARSACS seems to work. Now we are ready to test the program with more people with ARSACS and MD1 to see how it can improve MWC mobility and confidence. We also want to hear about people's expectations and experiences with MWC training. People who take part in research will answer questions before and after WC training, and we will follow up with them 3 months later to ask again about their WC use.

This projects directly adresses the mobility needs of people with ARSACS and MD1 who use MWC. Our results may improve how therapists provide training for MWC use, which may improve mobility, participation, and quality of life for people with ARSACS and MD1. Learning just one MWC skill could be life-changing. It could mean the difference between leaving the house or not, which could impact the ability to shop for groceries, see friends, or to have a job.