Iterative design and evaluation of new prone carts for individuals with SCDs: a technical note.

This paper summarizes a series of projects funded since 1992 to address the compelling need to improve the quality of life for persons with spinal cord dysfunctions who use prone carts. Specifically, Veterans Services Organization, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), and the VA Rehabilitation Research and Development funded studies to develop new consumer-driven designs for prone carts. Using an iterative approach, this team of clinicians and designers (1) evaluated existing prone carts; (2) designed a new manual prone cart; (3) designed a new motorized prone cart, including a standing model; and (4) are collaborating with manufacturers to market and commercialize the new prone carts. Prototypes were developed at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design with the assistance of Ortho-Kinetics, Inc., and Everest & Jennings and were clinically evaluated at two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (Tampa and Milwaukee) with patients and caregivers and for compliance with applicable ISO (International Organization for Standardization) for electric wheelchair standards. This material is based on work supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wisconsin Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association, the National Institute of Disabilities and Rehabilitation Research, and the Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420. Address all correspondence and request for reprints to Pascal Malassigne, FIDSA, Research Service, 151, Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 5000 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295-1000; e-mail: pmalassi@miad.edu.