Portable wheelchair ramps and curb and vehicle access, pg 443
This study evaluates portable wheelchair ramps for ease of use when climbing curbs or accessing vehicles. Wheelchair users and caregivers, in a simulated curb and test vehicle, rated 12 portable ramps. Ramp ease of use was greatly influenced by the design and the location of specific accessories, such as carrying handles and locks. Wheelchairs users preferred single-wide platform ramps and caregivers preferred channel ramps. Investigators found that ramps were delivered without instructions, moved during use, and were too narrow. These findings provide insight into the benefits and limitations of different ramp designs and implications for curb and vehicle access.
Smoking, foot care linked to self-efficacy in people with amputations, pg 453
This study describes the extent to which veterans with a nontraumatic, unilateral lower-limb amputation engage in two health-related behaviors, foot care and smoking, and if health beliefs and psychological well-being are related to those health behaviors. Forty-four veterans participated in a telephone survey. Most veterans reported practicing good foot care. Nearly a third smoked. A belief in one's ability to engage in good foot care and that good foot care reduces the risk of future foot problems were significantly correlated with daily foot care practices. In addition, psychological well-being was significantly related to foot care and smoking status.
Neuroprosthesis restores grasp-release hand function to individuals with SCI, pg 461
This study investigates the use of myoelectric signals (MES) from wrist muscles to control a hand grasp neuroprosthesis. MES from the wrist flexor and extensor muscles were recorded in
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Contact: Judith LaVoie
judith@vard.org
410-962-1800 x 229
VA Research Communications Service
2-Aug-2004