The development and preliminary evaluation of a training device for wheelchair users: the GAME(Wheels) system

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation: Assistive technology 2006-01, Vol.1 (1-2), p.129-139
• Main Authors: Fitzgerald, Shirley G, Cooper, Rory A, Zipfel, Emily, Spaeth, Donald M, Puhlman, Jeremy, Kelleher, Annmarie, Cooper, Rosemarie, Guo, Songfeng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy Metabolism - physiology; Equipment Design; Ergonomics; Exercise - physiology; Focus Groups; Humans; Kinetics; Oxygen Consumption - physiology; Patient Satisfaction; User-Computer Interface; Video Games; Wheelchairs
• ISSN: 1748-3107
• DOI: 10.1080/09638280500167639

Training of appropriate wheelchair propulsion methods may be beneficial to the individual who uses a wheelchair by reducing the incidence of pain and improving one's quality of life. This paper discusses the development and initial testing of a training device that was developed to aid in wheelchair propulsion techniques: GAME(Wheels) System. Two separate models of GAME(Wheels) have been developed: a GAME(Wheels) Clinical and a GAME(Wheels) Trainer. Details of the development process and the refinement have been included in this manuscript. To verify and compare the practicality and functionality of the two GAME(Wheels) systems, several focus groups were conducted: first to determine whether the systems could be set-up with informational materials and second to determine if the systems could be taught to novice users. Results from the focus group indicate that the overall impressions of the systems were that they were 'fun' to play. Suggestions were raised to improve the design, which have been incorporated into further refinement of the GAME systems. This paper provides an overview of the development of a wheelchair-training device. Valuable information was gained to improve the design of the GAME(Wheels) systems.