BACKGROUND: The goal of this observational study was to determine factors predictive of the type of powered mobility prescribed to veterans with disability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for all veterans (n=170) who received powered mobility from a designated power mobility clinic. Logistic regression analysis was used to determined factors predictive of the type of powered mobility provided.

RESULTS: Sixty-four (38%) veterans were provided powered wheelchairs and 106 (62%) were provided powered scooters. Of the variables examined, only primary medical conditions for referral and disability severity (as measured by the 2-minute timed walk test; 2-MWT) were predictive of the types of powered mobility prescribed. Veterans who were able to walk longer distances were more likely to be prescribed powered scooters. Age, gender, race, level of education, marital and employment status, number of chronic medical conditions, and upper and lower limb muscle strength were not significant predictors.

CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the primary medical conditions for referral and 2-MWT can assist clinicians in the determination of the type of powered mobility to prescribe to veterans with disability.

Keywords: Aged, 80 and over, Decision Support Techniques, Disability Evaluation, Disabled Persons - statistics & numerical data, Ethnic Groups - statistics & numerical data, Hospitals, Veterans, Mobility Limitation, muscle strength, Outpatient Clinics, Hospital, Sex Factors, Socioeconomic Factors, United States, Veterans - statistics & numerical data, Wheelchairs - statistics & numerical data