Note that this article is part of a series of articles on assessment. If you have not done so, first, read this articles:

• • • • Must-Have Test and Organizing Your School-based Assessment – discusses the 5 critical reasons for assessing participation first
      • 3 Principles for Selecting Tests – discusses the 3 principles to use when selecting tests at the activity and body function & structure levels

Q: What are the best tests…for Wheelchair Operations?

Here are our 3 favorite standardized tests for wheelchair operations. 

1. Utrecht Pediatric Wheelchair Mobility Skills Test 2.0 (UPWMST 2.0)

15-item test for manual wheelchair operation, from propulsion, turning, ascending and descending ramps and platforms, holding a wheelie, and more 

• • • Test instruction: Click here for the UPWMST items with instructions  
    • Equipment needed: none other than client’s wheelchair
    • Why we like this test: It is the only comprehensive manual wheelchair operation test that has been tested for reliability and validity in children
    • What to note: You will need to find the right locations to conduct some items, such as the right platform heights and doorstep. It is a criterion-referenced test.

2. 6-Minute Push Test (6MPT)

Based on the 6-minute walk test, the 6MPT is an endurance test that measures the total distance traveled via wheelchair in 6 minutes on a 10-meter course.

• • • Test instruction: Click here for the 6MPT procedures  
    • Time for administration: 10-15 minutes
    • Equipment needed: timer, floor tape, cones, heart rate monitor
    • Why we like this test: Measures the ability to wheel for longer distances.
    • What to note: Wheelchair weight has a big influence on the distance; hence, we do not recommend using “norms” or averages from studies.

3. Assessment of Learning Powered Mobility (ALP)

The ALP assesses the user’s actual phase in the process of learning powered mobility use.

• • • Test instruction: Click here for the form and procedures  
    • Equipment needed: bench with strapping for pelvic support
    • Why we like this test: 
      • It includes the whole continuum of learning from novice to expert; therefore, it can be used with very young users, very new users, and users with severe cognitive difficulties. 
      • It can also be used to figure out how to facilitate progression to a higher phase.
    • What to note: There are no scores, and no “pass” or “fail.” Because of this, it is a refreshing test. It focuses on the child’s learning phase no matter how low.

Want to learn more? Check out…

References:

Nilsson, L., & Durkin, J. (2014). Assessment of learning powered mobility use—Applying grounded theory to occupational performance. J Rehabil Res Dev, 51(6), 963-974.

Sol, M. E., de Groot, J. F., Zwinkels, M., Visser-Meily, J. A., Kruitwagen, C. L., & Verschuren, O. (2019). Utrecht Pediatric Wheelchair Mobility Skills Test: reliability, validity, and responsiveness in youths using a manual wheelchair. Physical Therapy, 99(8), 1098-1106.

Verschuren, O., Ketelaar, M., De Groot, J., Vila Nova, F., & Takken, T. (2013). Reproducibility of two functional field exercise tests for children with cerebral palsy who self‐propel a manual wheelchair. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 55(2), 185-190.