Preliminary assessment of a prototype advanced mobility device in the work environment of veterans with spinal cord injury

The INDEPENDENCE™ 3000 IBOT™ Transporter (IBOT™) is an electronically stabilizing device for people with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to collect qualitative data on the potential for the IBOT™ to improve employment satisfaction of veterans who use wheelchairs to work. This study was based upon observations by trained clinicians, and responses to a survey completed by four men with traumatic spinal cord injury, who worked in an office environment. The mean age of the subjects was 52 ± 8.8 years. The subjects used the devices to hold eye-level discussions with colleagues, climb stairs, ascend steep ramps, and negotiate curbs. When subjects were asked to rate the ease of getting around in the IBOT™ compared to their personal wheelchairs, they responded with a mean of 6.7 ± 1.8 on a 10-point visual analog scale. The response to rating the overall function of the IBOTTM within their working environment yielded a rating of 6.0 ± 2.8. Half of the users felt that the IBOT™ would help them at work and all thought it should be made available to veterans who use wheelchairs. A larger study should be conducted to determine if the IBOT™ affects work performance and the ability to return to work.