Quantum Rehab Teams Up with Georgia Tech to Research Power Adjustable Seat Height

EXETER, Penn. (January 4, 2017)—Quantum Rehab and Georgia Tech are pleased to announce that they have embarked on a landmark research study that examines how power adjustable seat height is clinically utilized by wheelchair users in their everyday lives.

The Rehabilitation Engineering and Applied Research Lab at Georgia Tech independently performed a pilot survey, which was the catalyst for this current first-of-its-kind research study on seat elevation use. In the original pilot study, it was shown by respondents that 90 percent used seat elevation as a tool of increased safety and independence during activities of daily living (ADLs). Some of the noted clinical uses included transferring, reaching, line-of-sight and meal preparation.

The upcoming formal study seeks to expand the research scope by using a vastly larger participant group, data-logging technology and real-time feedback to create a real-world portrayal of precisely how seat elevation is used daily and its clinical benefits to users.

“We know that power adjustable seat height is playing a vital clinical role in users’ lives,” shares Jeannie Sayre, Quantum’s Vice President of Clinical Development. “Some users still face funding barriers to this clinically-necessary mobility technology, so this research study will ideally clarify through data as to why funding sources should cover it for those in need. Based on Quantum’s consumer base widely using power seat elevation, we see our sponsorship of this study as an advocacy role toward those we serve.”

The study will commence in the spring of 2017, and its protocols will be overseen by Georgia Tech’s Institutional Review Board and follow the guidelines set forth by Good Publication Practice for Communicating Company-Sponsored Medical Research, GPP3. The results of the study will be published and presented by Georgia Tech once completed.

Visit quantumrehab.com for more information.