Mobility Outcome Tools

The Wheelchair Outcome Measure (WhOM)

Since funding agencies now prefer evidence of outcome, demonstrating the efficacy of a wheelchair or its components upon prescription is essential. As result, occupational therapists and researchers have created the Wheelchair Outcome Measure (WhOM) which provides a relevant and personalized approach to determining the success of a wheelchair intervention based on a client’s unique needs. More specifically, the WhOM is a client-centered wheelchair intervention measurement tool designed to identify desired outcomes at a participation level while acknowledging concerns about body structure and function.

The WhOM (adult version) is available for those 18 years of age and older. While WhOM-YP (young people version) is available for those 18 years of age and younger and/or for parents or others that support them (depending on the age and abilities of the young person). The WhOM is available in five languages: English, French, Hebrew, Italian, and Farsi.

→ Please click here to access the WhOM.

 

The L Test

The L Test is a modified version of the Timed Up & Go (TUG) Test. The L Test incorporates 2 transfers and 4 turns, of which at least 1 would be to the opposite side. Individuals are timed to determine how long it takes them to travel a 20-meter distance in the shape of an L. The novelty of this test is that it requires individuals to turn in both directions and therefore better replicates the basic demands for walking in doors. Standardized instructions were developed and given to the subjects to ensure successful completion of the test.

→ Please click here to access the L Test.

 

The Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire (ASCQ)

Ambulation is an important aspect of mobility; however, problems with ambulation is common among older adults in rehabilitation programs in North America. Self-reports of ambulation provide information that cannot otherwise be obtained from activity-based performance walking tests. In addition, an individual’s self-confidence level in their ambulation could be an indicator of their ambulation performance. To this end, the 22-item Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire (ASCQ) has been developed to capture older adults’ self-reported self-confidence related to walking in a variety of situations both in and outside of their homes.

→ Please click here to access the ASCQ.

 

The Seating Identification Tool (SIT)

An increasing amount of findings in the literature suggest that mobility, function and comfort can be improved if the fit between a person and their wheelchair/seating system is optimal. Additional benefits resulting from an optimal wheelchair/seating system might be a decreased need for restraint and repositioning, as well as lower incidence of decubiti ulcers. Based on these findings, the Seating Identification Tool (SIT) was developed to help healthcare providers with limited knowledge of issues related to seating/wheelchair systems, to identify individuals who need a formal seating/wheelchair assessment to improve their wheelchair system.

→ Please click here to access the SIT.

 

Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale (WheelCon)

The WheelCon identifies individuals who have reduced confidence using their wheelchair related to skill, physical environment, or personal resources and coping. More specifically, the WheelCon measures wheelchair confidence in 6 conceptual areas: (1) negotiating the physical environment; (2) activities performed in the wheelchair; (3) knowledge and problem solving; (4) advocacy; (5) managing social situations; (6) managing emotions.

Versions of the WheelCon include:

  • Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Manual Wheelchair Users (WheelCon-M, Version 3.0, 65 items) – English or French
  • Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Manual Wheelchair Users – Short Form
  • Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Power Wheelchair Users (WheelCon-P, Version 2.0, 59 items) – English or French
  • Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Caregivers
→ Please click here to access the various forms of the WheelCon.