Remote training program for manual wheelchair skills

Improving Manual Wheelchair Skills Through Remote Training

Not applicable Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT06295146

This study tests whether a remote training program with peer coaching can help people improve their manual wheelchair skills and mobility.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment132 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06295146 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a remote manual wheelchair skills training program using peer coaching. Trained peer coaches will conduct virtual sessions with trainees, providing feedback and guidance on wheelchair skills. Participants will be divided into three groups: one receiving remote feedback, a waitlist control group, and a structured self-study group. The study aims to assess the impact of these interventions on the trainees' wheelchair skills and overall mobility.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with non-progressive spinal cord injuries who independently use a manual wheelchair for at least 50% of their mobility.

Not a fit: Patients with progressive spinal cord injuries or those unable to use a manual wheelchair may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance the independence and mobility of individuals with paraplegia using manual wheelchairs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with peer coaching and remote training approaches, indicating potential success for this intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Coaches:

* At least 18 years old
* Non-progressive SCI
* Able to speak and read English
* Reside in the community
* Independently use a manual wheelchair for at least 50% of mobility

Coaches with paraplegia:

\- Able to complete all skills targeted by the intervention, except stair ascent, (WST-Q item scores 2) independently.

Coaches with tetraplegia:

\- Able to complete all skills targeted by the intervention with or without assistance

Trainees:

* At least 18 years old
* Non-progressive SCI
* Able to speak and read English
* Reside in the community
* Independently use a manual wheelchair for 50% of mobility
* Access to an Internet-ready device with video capabilities.
* Access to a spotter for practicing wheelchair skills
* Desire training for at least 5 of the 16 skills targeted by the training program

Exclusion Criteria:

* none

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions WheelchairParaplegiaSpinal Cord InjuryTetraplegia/TetraparesisSpinal Cord Injuries
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.