Truth be told: evidence of wheelchair users' accuracy in reporting their height and weight.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objectives
To examine whether wheelchair users' self-reports of height and weight differed significantly from direct measurements and whether weight category classifications differed substantially when based on self-reported or measured values.Design
Single group, cross-sectional analysis. Analyses included paired t tests, chi-square test, analysis of variance, and Bland-Altman agreement analyses.Setting
A university-based exercise lab.Participants
Community-dwelling wheelchair users (N=125).Interventions
Not applicable.Main outcome measure
Participants' self-reported and measured height, weight, and body mass index.Results
Paired t tests revealed that there were significant differences between wheelchair users' self-reported and measured values for height (difference of 3.1±7.6cm [1.2±3.0in]), weight (-1.7±6.5kg [-3.6±14.2lb]), and BMI (-1.6±3.3). These discrepancies also led to substantial misclassification into weight categories, with reliance on self-reported BMI underestimating the weight status of 20% of the sample.Conclusions
Our findings suggest that similar to the general population, wheelchair users are prone to errors when reporting their height and weight and that these errors may exceed those noted in the general population.
SUBMITTER: Froehlich-Grobe K
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3562126 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Truth be told: evidence of wheelchair users' accuracy in reporting their height and weight.
Froehlich-Grobe Katherine K Nary Dorothy E DE VanSciver Angela A Washburn Richard A RA Aaronson Lauren L
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 20120515 11
<h4>Objectives</h4>To examine whether wheelchair users' self-reports of height and weight differed significantly from direct measurements and whether weight category classifications differed substantially when based on self-reported or measured values.<h4>Design</h4>Single group, cross-sectional analysis. Analyses included paired t tests, chi-square test, analysis of variance, and Bland-Altman agreement analyses.<h4>Setting</h4>A university-based exercise lab.<h4>Participants</h4>Community-dwell ...[more]
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Project description:ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify targets of intervention for reducing shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) by (1) examining changes in subacromial space [acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and occupation ratio (OccRatio)] with fatiguing wheelchair propulsion, and different loading conditions [unloaded position vs. weight relief lifts (WRL)]; (2) associating these changes with wheelchair user capacity, as well as (3) identifying subject characteristics associated with subacromial space, such as sex, lesion level, time since injury, body mass index and impaired shoulder range of motion.MethodsFifty manual wheelchair users with SCI [11 females, age = 50.5 (9.7) years, time since injury = 26.2 (11.4) years] participated in this quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest study. Ultrasound images were used to define AHD during an unloaded position, and during personal and instructed WRL before and after fatiguing wheelchair propulsion. Furthermore, supraspinatus and biceps thickness defined from ultrasound images were used to calculate OccRatios. Wheelchair user capacity was quantified as functional strength (maximum resultant force reached during maximum isometric forward push) and anaerobic work capacity (highest power output reached during 15-m sprint test). Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression analyses controlling for between subject variability and covariables were performed to address the research questions.ResultsAHD was significantly smaller during personal WRL (p < 0.001) and instructed WRL (p = 0.009, AHD both 11.5 mm) compared to the unloaded position (11.9 mm). A higher wheelchair user capacity (higher anaerobic work capacity) reduced the impact of WRL on AHD decrease. The fatiguing wheelchair propulsion had no effect on AHD (p = 0.570) and on OccRatio of supraspinatus (p = 0.404) and biceps (p = 0.448). Subject characteristics related to a larger subacromial space were lower lesion level, shorter time since injury, impaired external rotation, a lower body mass index and a higher anaerobic work capacity.ConclusionThis study showed a significant reduction in AHD during WRL with no effect of fatiguing wheelchair propulsion on the subacromial space in wheelchair users with SCI. A higher anaerobic work capacity was beneficial in stabilizing the shoulder during WRL. Our findings may assist clinicians in designing a shoulder injury prevention program.
| S-EPMC9397688 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundShoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal concerns in manual wheelchair users including among athletes. However, there is a paucity of research characterizing both shoulder pain and shoulder pathology in this population.ObjectiveTo characterize and compare the prevalence of current shoulder pain and ultrasound metrics of shoulder pathology between wheelchair athletes, nonathletic wheelchair users, and nonwheelchair users.DesignCross-sectional.SettingChicago-area adaptive sport teams/programs and musculoskeletal clinics.ParticipantsThirty-four wheelchair athletes, six nonathletic wheelchair users, and 12 nonwheelchair users.MethodsSelf-reported shoulder pain was assessed by questionnaire and Wheelchair User Shoulder Pain Index (WUSPI). Shoulder physiology and pathology were assessed by physical and ultrasound evaluation of both shoulders by a sports medicine physician.Main outcome measuresQuestionnaire outcomes: Prevalence of current shoulder pain, total WUSPI score. Physical examination outcomes: total Physical Examination of Shoulder Scale (PESS) score. Sonographic outcomes: Acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and presence of shoulder pathology.ResultsThe majority of wheelchair athletes (68%) and nonathletic wheelchair users (67%) experienced shoulder pain since using a manual wheelchair. Wheelchair basketball players had a mean WUPSI score of 17.2 (SD = 21.8), and athletes participating in handcycling, sled hockey, and quad rugby had mean scores of 4.91 (SD = 8.32), 7.76 (SD = 13.1), and 4.29 (SD = 7.75), respectively. Shoulder pathology was observed in 14 of 31 (45%) wheelchair athletes and 4 of 6 (67%) nonathletic wheelchair users (p = .41).ConclusionsAlthough wheelchair use is a risk factor for shoulder pain, participation in amateur wheelchair sports may not be associated with increased risk of shoulder pain. It is possible that overhead sports such as wheelchair basketball may define a unique high-risk group. Further study is needed to examine this relationship and to determine whether there are differences between specific wheelchair sports.
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Project description:IntroductionSelf-reported height and weight may lead to inaccurate estimates of associations between BMI and health indicators. The purpose of this study is to assess anthropometric misreporting in emerging adults, compare weight classification by self-reported and direct measures, and examine associations of self-reported and direct measures with cardiometabolic biomarkers.MethodsSelf-reported and directly measured height and weight were obtained in five waves of a nationally representative cohort study of U.S. tenth graders (n=2,785) conducted in 2010-2016; data were analyzed in 2018. Cardiometabolic biomarkers were assessed in three waves in a systematically recruited subsample (n=567). Pearson correlations (r) and Lin's concordance correlations (ρc) evaluated misreporting. Gwet agreement coefficient-1 evaluated weight classification agreement by self-reported and direct measures. Generalized estimating equations examined associations of cardiometabolic biomarkers with self-reported and direct measures.ResultsParticipants overreported height by 1.0-1.7 cm and underestimated weight by 0.6-1.7 kg. Self-reported BMI was 0.6-1.0 lower than measured. Self-reported and measured height, weight, and BMI were strongly correlated (r=0.88-0.97, 0.86-0.98, and 0.65-0.96, respectively) and concordant (ρc=0.82-0.96, 0.94-0.97, and 0.65-0.95, respectively). Agreement of weight classification by self-reported and direct measures ranged from Gwet agreement coefficient-1=0.79-0.94. Associations of ten cardiometabolic biomarkers with self-reported BMI, measured BMI, and waist circumference were similar in magnitude, direction, and precision.ConclusionsSelf-reported and measured BMI were strongly correlated and concordant, providing substantial to near-perfect agreement in weight classification. Findings suggest self-reported BMI in U.S. emerging adults provides nearly identical estimates of associations with cardiometabolic biomarkers.
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Project description:OBJECTIVE:This study aims to identify determinants of dietary behaviour in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury or lower limb amputation, from the perspectives of both wheelchair users and rehabilitation professionals. The findings should contribute to the field of health promotion programs for wheelchair users. METHODS:Five focus groups were held with wheelchair users (n = 25), and two with rehabilitation professionals (n = 11). A thematic approach was used for data analysis in which the determinants were categorized using an integrated International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and Attitude, Social influence and self-Efficacy model. RESULTS:Reported personal factors influencing dietary behaviour in wheelchair users were knowledge, boredom, fatigue, stage of life, habits, appetite, self-control, multiple lifestyle problems, intrinsic motivation, goal setting, monitoring, risk perception, positive experiences, suffering, action planning, health condition, function impairments, attitude and self-efficacy. Reported environmental factors influencing dietary behaviour in wheelchair users were unadjusted kitchens, monitoring difficulties, eating out, costs, unfavourable food supply, nutrition education/counselling, access to simple healthy recipes, eating together, cooking for others, and awareness and support of family and friends. CONCLUSIONS:Important modifiable determinants of dietary behaviour in wheelchair users that might be influenced in lifestyle interventions are knowledge, fatigue, habits, self-control, intrinsic motivation, risk perception, attitude and self-efficacy. It is recommended to involve relatives, since they appear to significantly influence dietary behaviour.
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Project description:The United Nations has called for countries to improve access to mobility devices when needed. The World Health Organization has published guidelines on the provision of manual wheelchairs in less-resourced settings. Yet little is known about the extent to which appropriate wheelchairs are available and provided according to international guidelines. This study's purpose was to describe wheelchair users' experiences receiving services and acquiring wheelchair skills in urban and peri-urban areas of Kenya and the Philippines.Local researchers in Nairobi and Manila interviewed 48 adult basic wheelchair users, with even distribution of those who had and had not received wheelchair services along with their wheelchair. Recordings were transcribed in the local language and translated into English. The study team coded transcripts for predetermined and emergent themes, using Atlas-ti software. A qualitative content analysis approach was taken with the WHO service delivery process as an organizing framework.Wheelchair users frequently described past experiences with ill-fitting wheelchairs and little formal training to use wheelchairs effectively. Through exposure to multiple wheelchairs and self-advocacy, they learned to select wheelchairs suitable for their needs. Maintenance and repair services were often in short supply. Participants attributed shorter duration of wheelchair use to lack of repair. Peer support networks emerged as an important source of knowledge, resources and emotional support. Most participants acknowledged that they received wheelchairs that would have been difficult or impossible for them to pay for, and despite challenges, they were grateful to have some means of mobility. Four themes emerged as critical for understanding the implementation of wheelchair services: barriers in the physical environment, the need for having multiple chairs to improve access, perceived social stigma, and the importance of peer support.Interventions are needed to provide wheelchairs services efficiently, at scale, in an environment facilitating physical access and peer support, and reduced social stigma.Not applicable since this was a descriptive study.
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Project description:BackgroundInternationally, wheelchair users are an emerging demographic phenomenon, due to their increased prevalence and rapidly increasing life-span. While having significant healthcare implications, basic robust epidemiological information about wheelchair users is often lacking due, in part, to this population's 'hidden' nature. Increasingly popular in epidemiological research, Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) provides a mechanism for generating unbiased population-based estimates for hard-to-reach populations, overcoming biases inherent within other sampling methods. This paper reports the first published study to employ RDS amongst wheelchair users.MethodsBetween October 2015 and January 2016, a short, successfully piloted, internet-based national survey was initiated. Twenty seeds from diverse organisations were invited to complete the survey then circulate it to peers within their networks following a well-defined protocol. A predetermined reminder protocol was triggered when seeds or their peers failed to respond. All participants were entered into a draw for an iPad.ResultsOverall, 19 people participated (nine women); 12 initial seeds, followed by seven second-wave participants arising from four seeds . Completion time for the survey ranged between 7 and 36 minutes. Despite repeated reminders, no further people were recruited.DiscussionWhile New Zealand wheelchair user numbers are unknown, an estimated 14% of people have physical impairments that limited mobility. The 19 respondents generated from adopting the RDS methodology here thus represents a negligible fraction of wheelchair users in New Zealand, and an insufficient number to ensure equilibrium required for unbiased analyses. While successful in other hard-to-reach populations, applying RDS methodology to wheelchair users requires further consideration. Formative research exploring areas of network characteristics, acceptability of RDS, appropriate incentive options, and seed selection amongst wheelchair users is needed.
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Project description: Not available
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Project description:BackgroundIn population studies, body mass index (BMI) is generally calculated from self-reported body weight and height. The self-report of these anthropometrics is known to be biased, resulting in a misclassification of BMI status. The aim of our study is to evaluate the accuracy of self-reported weight, height and waist circumference among a Dutch overweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] > or = 25 kg/m2) working population, and to determine to what extent the accuracy was moderated by sex, age, BMI, socio-economic status (SES) and health-related factors.MethodsBoth measured and self-reported body weight and body height were collected in 1298 healthy overweight employees (66.6% male; mean age 43.9 +/- 8.6 years; mean BMI 29.5 +/- 3.4 kg/m2), taking part in the ALIFE@Work project. Measured and self-reported waist circumferences (WC) were available for a sub-group of 250 overweight subjects (70.4% male; mean age 44.1 +/- 9.2 years; mean BMI 29.6 +/- 3.0 kg/m2). Intra Class Correlation (ICC), Cohen's kappa and Bland Altman plots were used for reliability analyses, while linear regression analyses were performed to assess the factors that were (independently) associated with the reliability.ResultsBody weight was significantly (p < 0.001) under-reported on average by 1.4 kg and height significantly (p < 0.001) over-reported by 0.7 cm. Consequently, BMI was significantly (p < 0.001) under-reported by 0.7 kg/m2. WC was significantly (p < 0.001) over-reported by 1.1 cm. Although the self-reporting of anthropometrics was biased, ICC's showed high concordance between measured and self-reported values. Also, substantial agreement existed between the prevalences of BMI status and increased WC based on measured and self-reported data. The under-reporting of BMI and body weight was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by measured weight, height, SES and smoking status, and the over-reporting of WC by age, sex and measured WC.ConclusionResults suggest that self-reported BMI and WC are satisfactorily accurate for the assessment of the prevalence of overweight/obesity and increased WC in a middle-aged overweight working population. As the accuracy of self-reported anthropometrics is affected by measured weight, height, WC, smoking status and/or SES, results for these subgroups should be interpreted with caution. Due to the large power of our study, the clinical significance of our statistical significant findings may be limited.Trial registrationISRCTN04265725.
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Project description:High-risk mechanisms in trauma usually dictate certain treatment and evaluation in protocolized care. A 10-15 feet (ft) fall is traditionally cited as an example of a high-risk mechanism, triggering trauma team activations and costly work-ups. The height and other details of mechanism are usually reported by lay bystanders or prehospital personnel. This small observational study was designed to evaluate how accurate or inaccurate height estimation may be among typical bystanders.This was a blinded, prospective study conducted on the grounds of a community hospital. Four panels with lines corresponding to varying heights from 1-25 ft were hung within a building structure that did not have stories or other possibly confounding factors by which to judge height. The participants were asked to estimate the height of each line using a multiple-choice survey-style ballot. Participants were adult volunteers composed of various hospital and non-hospital affiliated persons, of varying ages and genders. In total, there were 96 respondents.For heights equal to or greater than 15 ft, less than 50% of participants of each job description were able to correctly identify the height. When arranged into a scatter plot, as height increased, the likelihood to underestimate the correct height was evident, having a strong correlation coefficient (R=+0.926) with a statistically significant p value = <0.001.The use of vertical height as a predictor of injury severity is part of current practice in trauma triage. This data is often an estimation provided by prehospital personnel or bystanders. Our small study showed bystanders may not estimate heights accurately in the field. The greater the reported height, the less likely it is to be accurate. Additionally, there is a higher likelihood that falls from greater than 15 ft may be underestimated.
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