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To describe the subjective reported scooter-skill scores of new mobility scooter users and to identify significant correlations with other characteristics and measures. This was a single-centre study using a cross-sectional design. Participants (N = 22) completed the Wheelchair Skills Test-Questionnaire (WST-Q) Version 4.3 for scooter users. It measures the users' perceived capacity (what the user can do), performance (what the user actually does), and confidence (or self-efficacy). Their scooter skills were also rated objectively with the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST). They completed standardised measures of cognition, hearing, vision, life space mobility, visual attention and task switching, and confidence negotiating the social environment using their scooters. Mean total WST-Q capacity scores were 83% and performance scores were 25%. WST-Q capacity scores had significant positive correlations with WST-Q performance (r = 0.321) and confidence scores (r = 0.787), WST capacity scores (r = 0.488), and confidence negotiating the social environment (WheelCon) (r = 0.463). WST-Q capacity scores were significantly negatively correlated with Trail Making B scores (r = −0.591) and age (r = −0.531). The correlations between WST-Q scores and other variables are similar to those found in other studies among users of scooters and other mobility devices. The gap between capacity and performance scores highlights the needs for additional skills training in this population of novice scooter users. In implementing scooter training for new scooter users, attention should be paid to building community-based skills for navigating both the physical and the social environment. Scooter users' age and their driving capabilities need to be taken into account when developing and delivering the training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The tilt-rest skill consists of tipping the wheelchair back and allowing it to rest against a solid object with the wheel locks applied (e.g., for pressure redistribution, neck comfort or hands-free activities). The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of experienced manual wheelchair users who are aware of this skill and who can perform it. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 49 manual wheelchair users using a questionnaire developed for the purpose. The tilt-rest skill was attempted by those who reported that they were capable of performing it. Results: Participants' mean (SD) age was 55.1 (18.2) years, 38 (77.6%) were male, their median (IQR) duration of wheelchair use was 2 (7.2) years and their mean (SD) daily time spent in the wheelchair was 9.5 (4.6) hours. Twenty-seven (55.1%) participants were aware of the skill, 19 (38.8%) reported being able to perform the skill and 16 of 47 (34.0%) were able to demonstrate the skill. Multivariate modelling with the question "Can you complete the tilt-rest skill?" as the dependent measure revealed an inverse relationship with age – Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) of 0.476 (0.293, 0.774) (p =.0028) for each 10 year increase in age. Conclusions: Only just over half of manual wheelchair users are aware of the tilt-rest skill and one-third of users can perform it. Older people are less likely to report being able to complete the skill. These findings have implications for wheelchair skills training during the wheelchair-provision process. Only just over half of manual wheelchair users are aware of the tilt-rest skill and only about one-third of users can perform it. Older people are less likely to report being able to complete the skill. These findings have clinical implications for wheelchair skills training during the, specifically that clinicians responsible for manual wheelchair-provision process should ensure that appropriate wheelchair users have the opportunity to learn this skill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the proportion of wheelchair users who receive wheelchair skills training during an inpatient stay at a Canadian rehabilitation center. Methods: Each of 42 wheelchair-using inpatients completed a questionnaire within 72 hours of his or her expected discharge. Results: Twenty-three (54.8%) participants reported having received wheelchair skills training. The median number and duration of training sessions was five 30-minute sessions. None (0%) of the other 19 participants knew of arrangements to receive training after discharge. Conclusion: Only 54.8% of wheelchair-using people nearing discharge from a rehabilitation center reported that they had received wheelchair skills training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]