HomeTechnologyStudy reveals high fall risk among wheelchair, scooter users

Study reveals high fall risk among wheelchair, scooter users

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Full-time wheelchair and scooter users experience frequent falls and fall-related injuries, challenging the perception that these devices eliminate fall risks.

A new study published in the journal Disability and Rehabilitation, conducted by a team from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois Chicago, surveyed 156 participants, revealing that 96 per cent had fallen at least once last year, with 74 per cent sustaining injuries.

“Falls among wheelchair and scooter users are typically caused by interacting risk factors,” said Elizabeth Peterson, Clinical Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago.

“These may be physical, behavioural, environmental, or psychological in nature.”

The study found that users often encounter obstacles such as rough terrain or the need to reach beyond their support base, leading to falls.

Laura Rice, a health and kinesiology professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who led the study, highlighted the seriousness of these falls, which can result in anything from minor scrapes to broken bones.

“A cut or scrape may seem minor, but for someone with diminished sensation, that can quickly turn into a bigger problem,” Rice explained.

The analysis showed a high level of anxiety among those who had experienced fall-related injuries, with 94.6 per cent expressing fear of falling again.

This anxiety often led to reduced use of mobility devices, potentially triggering a “disuse disability cycle.”

Sahel Moein, a graduate student involved in the research, noted that “participants who experienced fall-related injuries were, on average, younger than those who did not, which suggests that riskier behaviour may contribute to these incidents.”

The researchers are now testing an intervention designed to help wheelchair and scooter users manage and prevent falls, emphasising the need for proper training in using these devices.

“Healthcare providers sometimes think that giving someone a wheelchair will solve their problem of falling.

“But people need to be trained to use the new equipment and how to cope with the challenges that come with these devices,” Rice said.

–IANS

ts/rad

Go to Source

Disclaimer

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.

For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.

Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.

If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.

RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -

Most Popular