Impact of wheelchair acquisition on social participation

Purpose. Efficient mobility could be a prerequisite to carrying out many daily activities and social roles (social participation). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of wheelchair acquisition on social participation.Methods. Single group pre/post design where the intervention was the acquisition of a wheelchair paid for by the provincial government. Data were collected retrospectively from the participants' medical files. Individuals were excluded if they received an assistive device other than a wheelchair or contacted the centre only for wheelchair repairs. Social participation was measured using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) questionnaire.Results. The sample (n = 42) had a mean age of 64.2 ± 18.5 years, and 50% of them (n = 21) did not have a wheelchair before the intervention. The total RNLI scores pre- (46.9/100 ± 24.7) and post-acquisition (29.7/100 ± 18.5) showed a significant improvement in participation (p < 0.001). No difference was found between those who had their...