United Spinal Association Inc.

01/17/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/17/2025 13:49

Virtual Peer Coaching in Manual Wheelchair Skills

The University of Pittsburgh is conducting a research study to determine the effectiveness of virtual peer coaching in manual wheelchair skills.

This study will include virtual 1:1 training sessions targeted at improving your wheelchair skills. Study activities include…

  • Six, weekly peer coaching sessions via Zoom to improve wheelchair skills
  • Access to a library of wheelchair skills training videos
  • Completion of questionnaires before and after training

You will be compensated up to $75 for completing peer coaching sessions and $125 for completing questionnaires

You may be eligible to participate if you…

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have a non-progressive spinal cord injury (SCI)
  • Are able to speak and read English
  • Reside in the community
  • Use a manual wheelchair for at least 50% of your mobility
  • Have access to an internet-ready device with video capabilities
  • Have access to a spotter for practicing wheelchair skills
  • Desire training in at least 5 of the 16 skills included in the study:
    1. Opening/closing doors
    2. Picking up an object from the ground
    3. Getting over a gap
    4. Getting over a threshold
    5. Up a low curb
    6. Down a low curb
    7. Up a high curb
    8. Down a high curb
    9. Stationary wheelie
    10. Up a steep incline
    11. Down a steep incline
    12. Getting up stairs
    13. Getting down stairs
    14. Uneven transfers
    15. Floor-to-chair transfer
    16. Folding/unfolding wheelchair

If you are interested in learning more about this study, visit https://tinyurl.com/mwcpeercoaching or contact the study coordinator at (412)-232-9326 or [email protected]