The functional mobility with wheelchairs in individuals with spinal cord injury

Introduction: Functional mobility is a common aspect involved in spinal cord injured patients, requiring the use of a wheelchair. Although this resource is fundamental in the rehabilitation of these individuals, several aspects related to the physical environment can interfere with the levels of functional mobility. Objective: To describe aspects related to functional mobility with a wheelchair in patients with spinal cord injury. Method: This is a descriptive study with samples composed of 11 patients with spinal cord injuries from an association of people with disabilities in a medium-sized city of Sao Paulo State. For data collection, a Spinal Cord Injury Identification Form was used. Results: Data were analyzed through simple descriptive analysis. Most of the sample used a motorized wheelchair (63.63%; n = 7) and reported barriers in the home environment (81.81%; n = 9), on the sidewalk (90.90%; n = 10) and in the block of the household (90.90%; n = 10). Despite these barriers, 100% (n = 11) reported independence for mobility at home and 90.90% (n = 10) outside. Among the reported mobility difficulties, there were limitations for transfers to the car (54.54%; n = 6), transfers to surfaces of the same height ( 36.36%; n = 4), and transportation of the wheelchair in own vehicle (63.63%; n = 7). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the relevance of interventions aimed at promoting functional mobility in individuals with spinal cord injury with an emphasis on the physical environment and assistive technology resources.