Abstract—
The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive
study was to determine the extent to which wheelchairs pre-
scribed during rehabilitation are used and perceived as satisfac-
torily meeting individual mobility, functional, psychological
and social needs of veterans who have had a stroke. Forty-nine
veterans were interviewed during a one-time visit to the Veter-
ans Affairs Medical Center. Questionnaires on demographics,
medical status, functional independence, cognition, social inte-
gration, depression, health status and well-being, and wheel-
chair use and satisfaction were administered. Fifteen
participants (31%) no longer used their wheelchairs. Primary
reasons included improved physical function (93%) and use of
alternative mobility aids (87%). Use by continued wheelchair
users ranged from less than 1 hour each day (29%) to more
than 8 hours each day (3%). Participants who retained use of
the wheelchair were satisfied with its performance. Continued
use was associated with impaired mobility, physical dysfunc-
tion, and physical dependence. Participants who no longer used
their wheelchairs had used them an average of 13 weeks. Med-
ical and psychosocial problems unrelated to wheelchair use