This test was developed to assist clinicians in assessing the effect of different postural supports (e.g. back support and seat cushions). The 4FTPSMW was developed by an experienced group of physiotherapists using a literature review and input from both individuals with SCI and researchers (May et al. 2003).

Number of items: 4

Procedure/Administration: The test includes 4 tasks: 1) timed forward wheeling (23m); 2) ramp ascent (forward wheeling); 3) forward vertical reach distance; and 4) one-stroke push. Five minute rest breaks were provided between tasks to limit fatigue. 

How scored: The wheeling tasks are scored in seconds and the reaching and one-stroke push tasks in centimeters.  

Interpretability: The scoring system is objective and has ratio level properties. No normative data is available.

Acceptability: Is only relevant to individual who use a manual wheelchair (i.e. not suited to individuals who use an electric wheelchair). 

Languages: N/a

Usability: The tasks were tolerated well by participants. Only the ramp ascent task was difficult for an individual with C6 SCI at 4 months post injury. 

Time to administer: It takes between 30 - 45 minutes to complete 2 trials of the 4 functional tasks including rest breaks (note: 2 trials were required for test re-test reliability rather than to eliminate the practice effect).

Time to score: N/a

Training required: N/a

Availability: N/a

Equipment required: 23 m corridor, 1 m measuring stick, ramp (10.3 m and 1:13 grade), carpeted surface (1.5 cm pile), and a stop watch.

Summary:

• The 4FTPSMW is a functional test suited for the clinical setting (eg. the timed forward wheeling task is based on a distance of 23 meters (plus length of the wheelbase) - the average length of a crosswalk in a 4 lane intersection). 

 Psychometric Summary:

Note: TR= Test re-test; IC= Internal Consistency; Inter-O= Inter-observer; Intra-O= Intra-observer; SS= Sensitivity/Specificity; N/a= No information.

Red light= A single study involving SCI subjects which has less than adequate findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Yellow light= A single study involving subjects with SCI which has adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

Green light= At least 2 studies involving subjects with SCI which have adequate to excellent findings of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness.

References

• May LA, Butt C, Minor L, Kolbinson K, Tulloch K. Measurement reliability of functional tasks for person who self-propel a manual wheelchair. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:578-83.