Physical disability or neuromuscular disorders can cause severe muscle weakness, resulting in loss of physical capacity to participate in physical activities or mobility impairment. Due to the nature of these conditions, individuals with physical disabilities or neuromuscular disorders require assistive technology devices such as wheelchairs to help them carry out daily activities. It can also reduce their dependence on caregivers. These assistive technology devices have a major positive impact, increasing the quality of life of wheelchair users.
Quality of life depends on how individuals perceive their lives based on their standards of health, happiness, or life satisfaction. Wheelchair use can affect the quality of life of wheelchair users due to the changes associated with it. Some individuals may even feel apprehensive about using a wheelchair because it implies that they have accepted the reality that they have lost the ability to walk. It also means that they have to rely on assistive technology devices to continue living. In addition, they might experience frequent feelings of loss of control over their capacities and environment during the initial adaptation phase. They also have to adjust constantly to the stigma associated with wheelchair use. These limitations frustrate them, affecting their perceptions of quality of life.
But the positive impact of wheelchair use outweigh the disadvantages. Mobility devices can mitigate the impact of mobility limitations. Furthermore, it gives wheelchair users the confidence to participate in social activities, enhancing their interpersonal relationships and increasing their quality of life. Other benefits include improving daily routines, increasing independence, ensuring safety, and fostering self-esteem and competence. Most wheelchair users report that wheelchairs offered them an opportunity to leave home, giving them a sense of freedom. The assistive device also reduces fatigue associated with movement. The most significant positive impact of wheelchair use was on adaptability. They feel empowered to actively participate in social activities, testing their abilities and discovering more about their potentials.
Wheelchair use can bring positive changes in the quality of life of wheelchair users. To maximise the benefits of wheelchair use in increasing the quality of life, it is also important to identify barriers and facilitators in using assistive devices. It is necessary to consider various contextual factors that can affect the wheelchair experience.
Contextual factors include environmental and personal factors. Environmental factors such as curb cuts, lack of accessibility to bathrooms, ramps, and wheelchair characteristics can either amplify or worsen the experience and quality of life of wheelchair users. An environment that is not wheelchair-friendly can inhibit wheelchair users from fully enjoying services and opportunities. It can be difficult for them to participate in different social activities. On the other hand, personal factors such as personal meanings, goals, or values attached to their experience also have an impact on how wheelchair users perceive the quality of life. If wheelchair users attach a negative meaning to wheelchair use, it can affect their goals or values, becoming at risk of developing physical and psychological consequences. However, supportive relationships with family and others can buffer any negative effects of wheelchair use.
Wheelchair use can positively or negatively impact the experience of wheelchair users, affecting their quality of life. Despite it, there is no doubt that assistive technology devices improve adaptability, confidence, and competence of wheelchair users, enhancing the quality of life.
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