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Purpose: Wheelchair mobility is preconditioning for wheelchair dependent individuals with SCI to participate in activities required for daily living. The focus was to identify factors which distinguish good wheelchair mobility throughout daily life. Methods: Postal, retrospective and anonymous data was collected based upon a self developed questionnaire including questions for self-assessment of wheelchair mobility, sociodemographic and lifestyle data. Inclusion criteria comprised subjects with acquired SCI, age > 16 years, complete wheelchair dependency and a lesion level lower C5. Results: 287 persons aged 17 to 74 years (Mean = 42.8) were included. Statistical analysis showed that a good self-assessed wheelchair mobility is correlated with a lower lesion level, accidental SCI, male gender and younger age. Furthermore a low or normal BMI, employment, participation in leisure activities and athleticism distinguish good wheelchair mobility. Conclusion: To improve self-determinati independence in daily living of individuals with SCI the factors which were shown to be positively correlated with increased wheelchair mobility require intensive attention in the rehabilitation process. Many of these factors are already integrated into the inpatient rehabilitation program, however, greater consideration is required in the life-long aftercare. Hence, providing a perspective and support for the vocational situation and leading to a more active lifestyle in leisure time can help prevent social isolation and health risk factors such as obesity and depression.
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