Clinical measurement of the static rear stability of occupied wheelchairs

Abstract Objective: To evaluate a new clinical test, platform testing of the static rear stability of wheelchairs occupied by their users (using methods adapted from the International Organization for Standardization [Iso]), from the perspective of its measurement properties, safety, and comfort. Design: Within-subject comparisons. Setting: Rehabilitation center. Patients: Ninety-seven wheelchair users. Main Outcome Measures: Static stability (with the brakes locked and unlocked, the occupant leaning forward and back, and with antitip devices in place), dynamic stability (the criterion measure), reliability, validity, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios. Results: Test-retest reliabilities ( n = 18 to 24) were all >.93. The test's construct validity was demonstrated by the finding that static stability was appropriately affected by locking the brakes, body position, and antitip devices ( p Conclusions: In the clinical setting, the ISO platform test of static rear stability has good to excellent measurement properties, is safe, and is well tolerated. Static-stability testing in this setting should be performed in the context of a comprehensive evaluation of wheelchair safety and performance.