1265 - Evaluation of Pneumatic Technology for Powered Mobility Devices

Objectives:
Over 240,000 Veterans with disabilities use mobility devices, including manual and power wheelchairs and scooters. Wheelchairs are the most used mobility technology but are heavy, difficult to transport, incompatible with wet environments, and often in need of electrical system repairs and battery replacements.



We have developed a scooter and a wheelchair solely powered by compressed air to mitigate these barriers. The purpose of this study is to obtain feedback from Veterans and professionals regarding their design and feasibility of use in long-term care.

Design:
20 key stakeholders enrolled in a focus group (12 healthcare professionals and 8 Veterans with disabilities). The participants witnessed a demonstration of the pneumatic scooter and power wheelchair.



Six participants took part in an additional qualitative, transcribed interview via phone. The focus group’s qualitative interview focused on the strengths and weaknesses of pneumatic devices compared to conventional battery-powered devices. We generated themes on barriers and facilitators from the comments using ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software.

Results:
Research participants reported facilitators of using pneumatic technology compared to battery-powered devices. The air tank is faster to refill and easier to replace. The waterproof nature expands their use in more wet environments and eliminates the need for individuals to transfer out of the device for bathing. The devices are lighter, improving transportability.



The participants also identified barriers to using pneumatic technology. The noise generated by the device was prominent despite being below the RESNA dB standard. The seat, footplate, and backrest lack adjustability. Lastly, there is a need for clear processes for training, maintenance, and repairs.

Conclusions:
Pneumatic technology has several advantages over traditional battery power, including faster charging, waterproof nature, and lower weight, leading to better transportability. Design criteria for the next devices should include noise mitigation, more seating adjustability, and more footrest clearance.