Research study into qualtity of life with a wheelchair

In 1999, four organisations including Jesuit Service Cambodia, commissioned an independent research report into the quality of life of wheelchair users.

The results of the study revealed that:

• in general physical well-being has improved since receiving the wheelchair
• cycling the wheelchair is good exercise
• there was a remarkable improvement in mobility
• 60% said their quality of life had improved
• more than half said they felt less resentful and more content
• the wheelchair alone is not responsible for a better access to income generation
• Families who already had access to economic activities or disabled persons in a stable condition were able to improve their level of income with the wheelchair.

All of these findings were consistent with what we heard when visiting the wheelchair users. In addition, the study examined the technical quality of different wheelchairs available. From the raw data, our Mekong wheelchair rated highest for working and leisure, for comfort of the seat and back, for turning and for movement over uneven ground, for physical fit and for meeting the needs of the individual.

The study also reflected our own dissatisfaction with the durability of the front wheel. New models have been invented and are proving much better.

Back to Wheelchair Production