This paper determines functional measures that best correlate with skill levels of people with disabilities who operate a Segway Personal Transporter ™, and -- using qualitative analysis -- explores subjects' experience with the Segway. A prospective study encompassing 3 training sessions with the Segway to correlate subjects' functional ability (cognition, balance, mobility, muscle strength) with their skill level on the device was conducted. The research setting was a provincial adult rehabilitation center. 23 subjects (aged 19-65y) with a wide range of disabilities (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, amputation) who could walk at least 6m with/without assistance participated. No correlation was found as all participants successfully completed the final Segway Task Assessment, regardless of functional assessment scores. The Segway is a useful device for a broad range of populations with functional disabilities. Subjects found the Segway easy to use and were excited about its potential as an assistive device for use in their communities.
Abstract